The head of public relations in the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) says poaching of rhinos and elephants has reduced drastically in 2017. Spokesperson Romeo Muyunda says rhino poaching has dropped by more than half from 60 this time last year to only 26 over the same period. Muyunda says between January and August 2016, 101 elephants were killed by poachers. He says only 18-elephants have been killed over the same period this year. The statement comes shortly after a rhino carcass was discovered late last-week at Klip River in the Kunene Region. Seven suspects were arrested and due to appear in the Outjo Magistrates' Court. The MET says anti-poaching teams comprising of its staff, Nampol and the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) are deployed in all concentration areas. It says the law will follow its course with poachers likely to face 25 years in prison, a fine of N$25 million, or both. In cases where suspects are second offenders, both the fine and the years in prison may be doubled.