Namibia says the two German tourists were caught stealing rare plant species from Etosha National Park
​Namibia, through the country’s Ministry of Environment and Tourism​ has denied allegations that its staff ​did harass and unlawfully search two elderly ​German tourists at Etosha National Park’s Galton Gate​.
​The Ministry alleges that the individuals were found with protected plant species and were consequently given a warning.
This follows a complaint lodged by tour guide Yvonne von Holtz, who alleged that she and two elderly tourists were subjected to harassment and discrimination at the gate. Read more about the incident here
“On 16 April 2025, at around 14h20, our staff and a member of the Namibia Police Force attended to a tourist vehicle involving Ms Yvonne von Holtz (Tour Guide) and her two accompanying clients.”
“According to our staff, Mrs von Holtz, a tour guide driving a rental vehicle with registration number N135-953W, arrived at the gate in order to exit the park through Galton Gate. She refused to allow the vehicle, including the luggage, to be searched.”
“Mrs von Holtz, said the officials did not introduce themselves before requesting the search, nor did they explain its purpose,” the ministry explained.
However, according to the ministry, CCTV footage from Galton Gate presents a version of events that contradicts von Holtz’s claims, showing that ministry staff did introduce themselves and acted in accordance with the Gate Management Procedures and the Park Rules and Regulations governing Etosha National Park.
“Unfortunately, Mrs von Holtz was not receptive to the introduction made by the officers and began using vulgar language towards them. She indicated that she would call top officials at the Ministry’s head office in an attempt to exit the park without being searched.”
“After an extensive telephone call with the Director responsible for Parks and Wildlife Management, Mrs von Holtz agreed to allow both her vehicle and luggage to be searched,” the ministry added.
The ministry revealed that four baobab fruits (Adansonia digitata) were discovered in their possession and got confiscated.
These are classified as forest produce from a protected plant species under Section 22(5) of the Forest Act, 12 of 2001.
Regulation 12(1) of the same Act prohibits any unauthorised person from harvesting, transporting, selling, marketing, transiting, exporting, or importing forest produce without a valid harvesting licence or a permit for transport, marketing, transit, export, or import.
“Mrs von Holtz and her party were then allowed to exit Galton after the search was conducted and completed around 18h00. The team at the gate acted within their prescribed powers and sought to handle the situation amicably and in a professional manner, despite the conduct of Mrs von Holtz,” the ministry continued.
The ministry urged its staff to remain diligent, while also being respectful and acting within the law when attending to clients.
“Equally, the Ministry urges all visiting clients to obey all Park Rules and Regulations and to allow our staff and officers on duty to carry out their duties unhindered. Tourism is a very important sector and a major contributor to jobs and revenue, and all Namibians must carry the duty to protect the image of our country and the tourism sector,” the ministry added.