On the 16^th of December 2010 two accused persons were arrested at Hwange National Park, Sinamatela area Lukosi dam. One of the accused persons namely

Kelvin Ndlovu was shot and injured on the left leg and is currently recovering under Police guard at St Patrick’s Hospital.

 

 

 

Particulars of Accused Persons

1. Reason Ruzvidzo aged 26 years NR 73-073434-V-15

Address: 2126 Emakhandeni, Bulawayo or H11, Hwange or DDF Camp Tsholotsho.

2. Kelvin Ndlovu aged 21 Years NR Nil

Address: 2126 Emakhandeni, Bulawayo or H11, Hwange or DDF Camp Tsholotsho.

3. Tinashe Ruzvidzo aged 23 years NR 73-080082-W-15

Address: 2126 Emakhandeni, Bulawayo

4. Wirimai Dumba aged 28 Years NR 25-065851-P-24

Address: H11, Number 1 Village, Hwange.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

On the 11^th of December 2010, the above mentioned accused persons hatched a plan to poach rhinos at Sinamatela Intensive Protection Zone,( IPZ). They tasked Wirimai Dumba to identify local people who know Sinamatela. Wirimai Dumba then introduced them to our informer unknowingly. The informant then advised Parks on the 12^th of December 2010 and the Authority then planned the execution. The informant was advised that the Poachers had cyanide which they intend to poison the rhino but they tasked the informant to look for someone who can loan then the rifle to use.

The Police were approached and a trap was set up. The Police supplied a 303 rifle with seven rounds and they left the execution to Parks officers. The team then met with Sinamatela Area Manager and identified the site. On 16^th of December 2010 the two Poachers came to Sinamatela in the company of Parks informants and they met an “old man” who was actually a Parks ranger and they were shown a 303 rifle. Having rehearsed everything the rangers who were in ambush fired warning shots in the air advising everyone to stop. The Poachers ran away but the informants fell down as earlier advised. One Poacher Kelvin Ndlovu was shot on the left leg as he tried outpacing the rangers. A Parks ranger who posed as a gunner and the two informants disappeared during the commotion.

THE FOLLOWING WERE RECOVERED.

One 303 rifle and six rounds

Cyanide about 750 grammes

10 cabbages

Two pairs sandals

One satchel

Two very sharp knifes

$ 2 000, 00 dollars

1 700 Rands

Two cell phones

INFORMATION GATHERED

The accused stated that they were intending to Poach Zebras and they had obtained cyanide from Kisimus Mashoko a Prison Officer currently stationed at Gokwe Prison. They were introduced to Kisimus Mashoko by their Brother Shadreck Ruzvidzo who is an Ex-Member of the Zimbabwe Prison Services. They further allege that they were given money by Jenamo Sibangilizwe who resides in Tsholotsho and he also owns a vehicle Registration number AAN 8039 which they were intending to use if they were successful.

They further allege that they work in conjunction with Shamiso Herbert Nkomo of Shangano Village, St Marys, Hwange whom they gave two packets of cyanide.

The accused persons appeared in court today,28 December 2010,in Hwange and the case has been postponed to tomorrow,29 December 2010.