Illegal game ranch warthog hunt ends in arrests
Pini Bothoko | Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:11
Police said the quintet was nabbed and charged with hunting without permission after they were allegedly caught red-handed with 12 warthogs at a private game ranch in West Hanahai, about 50 kilometres west of Gantsi. The suspects, aged between 19 and 63, are currently in police custody whilst investigations continue.
Gantsi Police Station commander, Superintendent Motlamedi George, said the suspects were allegedly found inside the game ranch after they had already killed 12 warthogs.
'They were caught in the act of slaughtering some of the warthogs by the owner of the game ranch, who then alerted the police,' said George when confirming the incident.
He stated that said the five men have since been charged with hunting in a game ranch without permission.
'Investigations into the matter are ongoing, and the suspects are expected to appear before the Gantsi Magistrates' Court for arraignment once investigations are completed,' added George.
Police have reiterated that hunting on private game ranches without the owner's permission is a criminal offence.
Therefore, members of the public have been warned against engaging in illegal hunting activities, which undermine wildlife conservation efforts and violate Botswana's wildlife laws.