![Botswana - Okavango Delta- Copyright Jeffrey Barbee](https://investigations.namibian.com.na/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/cJeffrey-Barbee-Botswana-KAZA2-1068x711.jpg)
By Joel Konopo | 19 November 2020
AN investigation by Botswana’s INK Centre for Investigative Journalism provides insight into Botswana’s possible version on the killing of four Namibians at the Chobe River two weeks ago.
It also looks at the last minutes of the four fisherman who were gunned down by the Botswana Defence Force (BDF).
Major questions have emerged about the killing of four Namibians, including claims that the victims were unarmed fishermen, and that one may have been executed after he was arrested.
Botswana has largely been silent on the incident, preferring to issue short, carefully calculated statements.
The country’s statement issued last week made no mention of the suspects carrying firearms or elephant tusks, or that they shot at the anti-poaching unit.
But there are hints from a Botswanan military source that they are blaming the deceased for allegedly having a gun and shooting at them first.
The incident heightened tensions between Namibia and Botswana, sparking protests in Windhoek and at Katima Mulilo last Friday, in which Botswanan flags were burnt and a Botswana-registered vehicle damaged.
The two governments released statements affirming their “excellent bilateral relations”.
Botswana has been accused of applying an unofficial shoot-to-kill policy against poachers.
At least 12 people suspected of poaching have been killed this year by the BDF’s anti-poaching unit, most of them Namibians, according to the records reviewed by INK.
BOTSWANA’S PROBABLE VERSION
The incident took place on the night of 4 November in the Chobe River at Sedudu Island near Kasane in northern Botswana.
BDF spokesperson colonel Tebo Dikole said the army “came in contact with a syndicate of poachers believed to be part of a network responsible for cross-border organised poaching” at around 23h00.
![](https://investigations.namibian.com.na/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Map-2-300x135.jpg)
The deceased’s family has rejected this version.
Pressed further, Dikole said he is “constrained” to comment as investigations are ongoing.
INK conducted a telephonic interview with a BDF officer in the anti-poaching unit. The source was not present during the shooting, but arrived shortly afterwards and helped to guard the bodies overnight.
The officer from the BDF camp at Kasane asked to remain anonymous. His name and rank are known to INK.
He said the anti-poaching unit received a report of an imminent poaching incident at Sedudu Island at about 17h00 on 4 November.
The source said a motorboat with about 10 BDF soldiers with assault rifles and night-vision gear was sent from the Sedudu camp to ambush the suspects.
At about 22h00, the BDF source said the soldiers observed four figures paddling two canoes along the edge of the island carrying objects he alleged were elephant tusks.
He said the four were startled on seeing reflectors from the life jackets worn by the soldiers in water and “assumed an attack mode”.
“They actually opened fire,” the anonymous military source said. “And you know what soldiers do when an enemy opens fire.”
Tommy Nchindo, Simvula Munyeme and Ernest Wamunyima Nchindo were shot in the chest and died instantly in their canoes, the source said.
Martin Nchindo was sprayed with bullets when he tried to swim to safety.
The Botswanan source claimed the fishermen’s rifle sank to the bottom of the river, which is infested with hippos and crocodiles.
They had not killed any elephant, he said, as their mission was to ‘harvest’ elephant tusks stored on the island.
He said: “There were no fishing nets, only hunting spears.”
VERSION DEBUNKED
This version was challenged by two Namibians who live in the area and who claim to have been close to the spot where the events took place.
Matengu Mavuna in a telephonic interview from the nearby village of Kasika in the Zambezi region said he had loaded the canoes before what he said was a fishing expedition, and that they contained no guns.
Timeline of shooting incident: Click here
“I loaded two nets in the boat, both 2,5 m wide and one 800 m long and the other 600 m long,” said Mavuna.
“I saw a knife and two spears in the boats. I didn’t see a gun.”
He said: “My uncles left the fishing camp at 18h30, but never returned.”
George Nchindo, the brother of the Nchindos, told INK that it is common practice to fish at night in the Chobe and Linyanti rea.
“When hippos are out of the water grazing, it is safe to fish,” he said.
He said it was possible that his brothers had strayed across the border without realising it, as the Chobe River at that point is a small channel and it is not easy to know where you are at night.
He challenged the BDF’s scuba divers to find the alleged rifle used by his brothers.
“We want to see the serial number. The BDF’s behaviour is sickening,” he said.
FINAL MINUTES
The Nchindos’ cousin Cassius Mwala who has a fishing camp close to Sedudu Island, said he last spoke to Tommy Nchindo at around 19h00 on 4 November.
At about 20h00 he says he heard a “commotion” of people speaking in Setswana and Subiya. He phoned Tommy and Martin, but they did not answer.
At around 22h30, he heard random shots from an automatic rifle and raced to the scene immediately after the shooting subsided.
“I saw two tiny lights of torches moving towards each other in the water in the distance,” Mwala said.
Accompanied by a colleague, he waited and watched.
At around 01h00, he said they heard “three shots fired at intervals”.
Terrified, they waited on the mosquito-infested riverbank, and an hour later, a boat roared from the scene to the BDF camp.
At first light, he said he reported the incident to the Impalila police, who took hours to respond.
Mwale said what really shocked him was his visit to Kasane Primary Hospital to identify the bodies of the dead men.
He said Ernest Nchido had visible bruises on his head. At that point it dawned on him that Ernest may have been beaten after being arrested and then “finished off” by the soldiers.
“I viewed the bodies. Ernest had bruises. Was this the deliberate killing of innocent people?” he asked.
SHOOT TO KILL
In the past, the BDF has denied any involvement in human rights violations in the border area, saying its operations take place “under prevailing statutes”.
![](https://investigations.namibian.com.na/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/EmmOZ6_XYAIbeOd-300x180.jpg)
The INK Centre has previously reported that over the past two decades, 30 Namibians and at least 22 Zimbabweans have been killed in Botswana’s anti-poaching operations, but the Namibian authorities and human rights groups claim the figure could be much higher.
The Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area has 200 000 wild elephants, more than anywhere else in the world.
Tourism contributes 4,9% to Botswana’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Botswana’s former minister of environment, wildlife and tourism, Tshekedi Khama, the brother of former president Ian Khama, lifted the lid on the government’s approach to poaching in a 2013 interview with British filmmaker, Tom Hardy, who made a documentary called ‘The Poaching Wars’.
“It’s a culture; we have to kill the supply [of poachers] to starve the culture,” Khama said.
“That is one of the reasons why in Botswana, with our anti-poaching unit, we don’t necessarily interrogate the poacher,” he told the seemingly stunned filmmaker.
“That is a position we adopted to send a clear message: If you want to come and poach in Botswana, one of the possibilities is that you may not go back to your country alive.”
He went on to say that even if a suspected poacher drops his gun and raises his hands, the BDF will shoot.
* This article is produced by INK Centre for Investigative Journalism, an independent, non-profit newsroom that produces investigative journalism in the public interest.
I thіnk the admin of this web sitе is truly working hard in support of
his web page, for the reaѕon that here every stuff is quality based information.
You ϲаn ceгtainly see your expertise within the work you write.
Thе world hopeѕ for more passionate wrіters such as you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe.
Aⅼԝays go after your heart.
Я очень доволен, что прочитал эту статью. Она оказалась настоящим открытием для меня. Информация была представлена в увлекательной и понятной форме, и я получил много новых знаний. Спасибо автору за такое удивительное чтение!
Циклёвка паркета: особенности и этапы услуги
Циклёвка паркета — это процесс восстановления внешнего вида паркетного пола путём удаления верхнего повреждённого слоя и возвращения ему первоначального вида. Услуга включает в себя несколько этапов:
Подготовка: перед началом работы необходимо защитить мебель и другие предметы от пыли и грязи, а также удалить плинтусы.
Шлифовка: с помощью шлифовальной машины удаляется старый лак и верхний повреждённый слой древесины.
Шпатлёвка: после шлифовки поверхность паркета шпатлюется для заполнения трещин и выравнивания поверхности.
Грунтовка: перед нанесением лака паркет грунтуется для улучшения адгезии и защиты от плесени и грибка.
Нанесение лака: лак наносится в несколько слоёв с промежуточной шлифовкой между ними.
Полировка: после нанесения последнего слоя лака паркет полируется для придания поверхности блеска и гладкости.
Циклёвка паркета позволяет обновить внешний вид пола, восстановить его структуру и продлить срок службы.
Сайт: ykladka-parketa.ru
Циклевка паркета
I am happy that I detected this weblog, just the right information that I was searching for! .
Лендинг-пейдж — это одностраничный сайт, предназначенный для рекламы и продажи товаров или услуг, а также для сбора контактных данных потенциальных клиентов. Вот несколько причин, почему лендинг-пейдж важен для бизнеса:
Увеличение узнаваемости компании. Лендинг-пейдж позволяет представить компанию и её продукты или услуги в выгодном свете, что способствует росту узнаваемости бренда.
Повышение продаж. Заказать лендинг можно здесь – 1landingpage.ru Одностраничные сайты позволяют сосредоточиться на конкретных предложениях и акциях, что повышает вероятность совершения покупки.
Оптимизация SEO-показателей. Лендинг-пейдж создаются с учётом ключевых слов и фраз, что улучшает позиции сайта в результатах поиска и привлекает больше целевых посетителей.
Привлечение новой аудитории. Одностраничные сайты могут использоваться для продвижения новых продуктов или услуг, а также для привлечения внимания к определённым кампаниям или акциям.
Расширение клиентской базы. Лендинг-пейдж собирают контактные данные потенциальных клиентов, что позволяет компании поддерживать связь с ними и предлагать дополнительные услуги или товары.
Простота генерации лидов. Лендинг-пейдж предоставляют краткую и понятную информацию о продуктах или услугах, что облегчает процесс принятия решения для потенциальных клиентов.
Сбор персональных данных. Лендинг-пейдж позволяют собирать информацию о потенциальных клиентах, такую как email-адрес, имя и контактные данные, что помогает компании лучше понимать свою аудиторию и предоставлять более персонализированные услуги.
Улучшение поискового трафика. Лендинг-пейдж создаются с учётом определённых поисковых запросов, что позволяет привлекать больше целевых посетителей на сайт.
Эффективное продвижение новой продукции. Лендинг-пейдж можно использовать для продвижения новых товаров или услуг, что позволяет привлечь внимание потенциальных клиентов и стимулировать их к покупке.
Лёгкий процесс принятия решений. Лендинг-пейдж содержат только самую необходимую информацию, что упрощает процесс принятия решения для потенциальных клиентов.
В целом, лендинг-пейдж являются мощным инструментом для продвижения бизнеса, увеличения продаж и привлечения новых клиентов.
заказать лендинг пейдж
The words carry the weight of knowledge, yet they float like feathers, touching minds with gentle precision.
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.
The hard work you put into this post is as admirable as The commitment to high quality. It’s very attractive.
Most comprehensive article on this topic. I guess internet rabbit holes do pay off.
Compelling read with well-presented arguments. I almost felt persuaded. Almost.
The grace and authority with which you handle topics are awe-inspiring. I always come away with new knowledge.
Я оцениваю объективность и непредвзятость автора в представлении информации.
We’re a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your site offered us with useful info to work on. You have performed an impressive job and our whole neighborhood shall be grateful to you.
That is really fascinating, You’re an overly professional blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to in search of more of your excellent post. Also, I have shared your website in my social networks
This post was a breath of fresh air. Thank you for The unique insights!
Я оцениваю четкую структуру статьи, которая помогает организовать мысли и понять ее содержание.
Эта статья – источник ценной информации! Я оцениваю глубину исследования и разнообразие рассматриваемых аспектов. Она действительно расширила мои знания и помогла мне лучше понять тему. Большое спасибо автору за такую качественную работу!
You’ve got a way with words that’s as enchanting as a full moon. I’m bewitched.
The thoughtful analysis has really made me think, in a way that’s as stimulating as a deep gaze into The eyes.
Thank you for the hard work you put into this post. It’s much appreciated!
Читателям предоставляется возможность ознакомиться с различными аспектами темы и сделать собственные выводы.
Автор представляет разные точки зрения на проблему и оставляет читателю пространство для собственных размышлений.
Статья предлагает разнообразные подходы к решению проблемы и позволяет читателю выбрать наиболее подходящий для него.
Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this site. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s tough to get that “perfect balance” between superb usability and visual appearance. I must say you’ve done a superb job with this. In addition, the blog loads super fast for me on Firefox. Exceptional Blog!
Автор статьи представляет различные точки зрения и факты, не выражая собственных суждений.
Автор предоставляет читателю возможность взглянуть на проблему с разных сторон.
First off I would like to say fantastic blog! I had a quick question that I’d like to ask if you do not mind. I was interested to know how you center yourself and clear your mind prior to writing. I have had difficulty clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas out. I do take pleasure in writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes tend to be lost simply just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or tips? Thanks!
I really love your site.. Great colors & theme. Did you create this site yourself? Please reply back as I’m trying to create my own personal site and would love to learn where you got this from or exactly what the theme is called. Thanks!
Thank you for any other excellent post. The place else could anyone get that type of information in such a perfect manner of writing? I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I am at the search for such info.
Я оцениваю широту покрытия темы в статье.
Residents of Chicago have convenient access to professional refrigerator repair services within the city. If you’re seeking assistance from subzerorepair247.com, your search ends here!
Я благодарен автору этой статьи за его тщательное и глубокое исследование. Он представил информацию с большой детализацией и аргументацией, что делает эту статью надежным источником знаний. Очень впечатляющая работа!
Best Web Design companies Iowa, we love and embrace new Web Design and development opportunities with an open heart, a hunger to learn, and a passion for solving problems as a team.
Я ценю фактический и информативный характер этой статьи. Она предлагает читателю возможность рассмотреть различные аспекты рассматриваемой проблемы без внушения какого-либо определенного мнения.
Мне понравилась балансировка между теорией и практикой в статье.
Автор старается оставаться нейтральным, что помогает читателям получить полную картину и рассмотреть разные аспекты темы.
Автор предлагает анализ разных подходов к решению проблемы и их возможных последствий.
Статья представляет информацию в обобщенной форме, предоставляя ключевые факты и статистику.
Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is fundamental and all. However think of if you added some great photos or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and videos, this site could definitely be one of the most beneficial in its niche. Very good blog!
Мне понравилось разнообразие и глубина исследований, представленных в статье.
Whoa! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a entirely different topic but it has pretty much the same page layout and design. Great choice of colors!
Эта статья – источник ценной информации! Я оцениваю глубину исследования и разнообразие рассматриваемых аспектов. Она действительно расширила мои знания и помогла мне лучше понять тему. Большое спасибо автору за такую качественную работу!
What’s up, its pleasant piece of writing about media print, we all be familiar with media is a wonderful source of facts.
Автор статьи предоставляет разностороннюю информацию, основанную на различных источниках.
Статья предлагает широкий обзор темы, представляя разные точки зрения и подробности.
You could definitely see your enthusiasm in the work you write. The arena hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to say how they believe. Always go after your heart.
Hi, this weekend is good in support of me, since this time i am reading this wonderful informative article here at my home.
Автор предлагает подробное объяснение сложных понятий, связанных с темой.
Автор статьи предоставляет сбалансированную информацию, основанную на проверенных источниках.
Автор предлагает обоснованные и логические выводы на основе представленных фактов и данных.
Читателям предоставляется возможность самостоятельно сформировать свое мнение на основе представленных фактов.
Автор старается не вмешиваться в оценку информации, чтобы читатели могли сами проанализировать и сделать выводы.
Я хотел бы отметить глубину исследования, представленную в этой статье. Автор не только предоставил факты, но и провел анализ их влияния и последствий. Это действительно ценный и информативный материал!
Информационная статья предлагает всесторонний обзор ситуации, с учетом разных аспектов и аргументов.
Excellent blog here! Also your site loads up very fast! What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my site loaded up as fast as yours lol
Quality posts is the important to interest the visitors to pay a visit the site, that’s what this web page is providing.
I have been browsing online more than 2 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me. In my view, if all website owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the net will be much more useful than ever before.
Thanks for finally writing about >The Namibian Investigative Unit
<Loved it!
I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your blogs really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back later. Many thanks
Информационная статья предлагает взвешенный подход к обсуждаемой теме, аргументируя свои выводы доказательствами и статистикой.
Статья представляет широкий обзор темы, учитывая различные аспекты проблемы.
Статья представляет аккуратный обзор современных исследований и различных точек зрения на данную проблему. Она предоставляет хороший стартовый пункт для тех, кто хочет изучить тему более подробно.
I really like what you guys tend to be up too. Such clever work and exposure! Keep up the very good works guys I’ve added you guys to my personal blogroll.
Статья представляет объективную оценку проблемы, учитывая мнение разных экспертов и специалистов.
Я оцениваю объективность и непредвзятость автора в представлении аргументов и фактов.
Howdy! Someone in my Facebook group shared this site with us so I came to check it out. I’m definitely enjoying the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Exceptional blog and terrific style and design.
Автор использует ясные и доступные примеры, чтобы проиллюстрировать свои аргументы.
If some one needs expert view about running a blog after that i suggest him/her to visit this webpage, Keep up the pleasant work.
Мне понравилась глубина исследования, представленная в статье.
Tremendous issues here. I am very happy to peer your post. Thanks so much and I am taking a look ahead to touch you. Will you kindly drop me a mail?
I’m amazed, I have to admit. Seldom do I encounter a blog that’s both educative
and engaging, and let me tell you, you’ve hit the
nail on the head. The problem is an issue that not enough men and women are speaking intelligently about.
I am very happy that I stumbled across this during my search for something relating
to this.
Центр инженерных систем предоставляет консультации, проектирование
и техническое обслуживание всех видов инженерных коммуникаций.
Специалисты центра обеспечивают высокий уровень услуг.
Хорошая работа по анализу проблемы и представлению различных точек зрения.
Its such as you read my thoughts! You seem to know so much approximately this, such as you wrote the e book in it or something.
I feel that you can do with a few percent to
power the message house a little bit, however instead of that, that is wonderful blog.
A fantastic read. I will certainly be back.
What a material of un-ambiguity and preserveness
of precious know-how concerning unpredicted feelings.
I needed to thank you for this wonderful read!! I definitely
loved every little bit of it. I’ve got you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post…
Thanks for the auspicious writeup. It if truth be told was
once a entertainment account it. Look advanced to far introduced agreeable from you!
However, how can we communicate?
I know this website provides quality based articles or reviews and extra stuff, is
there any other web page which gives these information in quality?
I like the valuable info you provide in your articles.
I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here regularly. I am quite sure I will learn many new stuff
right here! Good luck for the next!
I’m really impressed along with your writing abilities as smartly as with the layout in your blog.
Is this a paid subject matter or did you modify it your self?
Either way stay up the excellent quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one nowadays..
Yes! Finally someone writes about rak swalayan.
https://www.carmento.co.kr/bbs/board.php?bo_table=story&wr_id=581125
Yes! Finally someone writes abou construction.
Мне понравилась четкая структура статьи, которая помогает легко ориентироваться в тексте.
Автор предлагает практические рекомендации, которые могут быть полезны в реальной жизни для решения проблемы.
I think this is one of the most significant information for me.
And i am glad reading your article. But wanna remark on few general things, The site style is ideal, the
articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers
Статья предлагает объективный обзор исследований, проведенных в данной области. Необходимая информация представлена четко и доступно, что позволяет читателю оценить все аспекты рассматриваемой проблемы.
Hi my friend! I want to say that this post is amazing, great written and include approximately all vital infos. I’d like to see extra posts like this .
I don’t know if it’s just me or if perhaps everybody else experiencing problems with your site. It appears as though some of the text within your content are running off the screen. Can somebody else please provide feedback and let me know if this is happening to them as well? This could be a issue with my internet browser because I’ve had this happen previously. Thanks
Do you mind if I quote a few of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your website? My website is in the very same area of interest as yours and my visitors would genuinely benefit from some of the information you present here. Please let me know if this ok with you. Many thanks!
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning
this article plus the rest of the site is extremely good.
Thanks for all of the hard work on this blog My daughter enjoys managing investigation and it is easy to understand why My spouse and i know all about the lively mode you render advantageous guidelines via this website and as well increase response from other people on the concept so our favorite daughter is in fact studying a lot Take advantage of the rest of the year Your conducting a splendid job
Somebody essentially help to make severely articles I’d state.
That is the first time I frequented your web page and up to
now? I surprised with the research you made to make this actual publish extraordinary.
Wonderful job!
Я оцениваю тщательность и качество исследования, представленного в этой статье. Автор предоставил надежные источники и учел различные аспекты темы. Это действительно ценный ресурс для всех интересующихся.
Автор статьи постарался подать информацию без предвзятости, приведя разные аргументы и точки зрения.
Автор старается быть нейтральным, что помогает читателям лучше понять обсуждаемую тему.
I will immediately grasp your rss as I can’t to find your e-mail subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Please allow me recognise so that I could subscribe. Thanks.
The other day, while I was at work, my sister stole my iphone and tested to see if it can survive a twenty five foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is completely off topic but I had to share it with someone!
Thanks for the good writeup. It if truth be told used to be a entertainment account it. Glance complex to far brought agreeable from you! However, how could we be in contact?
Spot on with this write-up, I really think this site needs much more attention. I’ll probably be returning to see more, thanks for the information!
I really like what you guys are usually up too. Such clever work and coverage!
Keep up the very good works guys I’ve you guys to my own blogroll.
Do you have a spam problem on this site; I also am a blogger,
and I was wondering your situation; we have created some nice
procedures and we are looking to exchange methods with other
folks, please shoot me an email if interested.
Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and help others like you aided me.
It’s really a great and useful piece of info.
I’m glad that you just shared this helpful info with us.
Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
Автор приводит примеры из различных источников, что позволяет получить более полное представление о теме. Статья является нейтральным и информативным ресурсом для тех, кто интересуется данной проблематикой.
I truly love your website.. Very nice colors & theme.
Did you build this site yourself? Please reply back as I’m looking to create my own personal site and want
to find out where you got this from or exactly what the theme is called.
Cheers!
Я только что прочитал эту статью, и мне действительно понравилось, как она написана. Автор использовал простой и понятный язык, несмотря на тему, и представил информацию с большой ясностью. Очень вдохновляюще!
Very good blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers?
I’m hoping to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
Would you propose starting with a free platform like
Wordpress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that
I’m totally overwhelmed .. Any ideas? Appreciate it!
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point.
You obviously know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence
on just posting videos to your weblog when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?
I’ve been surfing online more than 4 hours today,
yet I never found any interesting article like yours.
It is pretty worth enough for me. Personally,
if all web owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the web will be a lot
more useful than ever before.
I was curious if you ever thought of changing
the layout of your blog? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better.
Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or two
pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?
Hi, I do believe your blog may be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your site in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in IE, it has some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Aside from that, fantastic website!