Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA) has arrested 14 pouches country wide as the Authority’s zero tolerance to poaching intensifies. Recently a Zambian banana boat powered by a 15HP

outboard engine was impounded on the 2^nd of April 2011 near Kinga camp and four poachers were arrested. The names of the poachers are Gwembe Ketani, Calvin Chinyoka, Mike Sikayoni and Chikarenga the last who escaped. Besides the banana boat, 20 kilograms of fresh fish and 1000 meters twine net were recovered.

 

On the 28^th of May 2011, a group of four armed poachers with three firearms, a .308 riffle, a .270 riffle and a .22 revolver, were arrested by Ngezi rangers. The total number of poachers was originally six but two managed two escape by jumping off the vehicle that was used to ferry them. The names of the poachers are Maxwell Kanyasa (40) who was driving at the time of arrest, Nelson Chimuka (36), James Mupindu (39), Gilbert Marazanye (38), Cranos Muchiri (Sinyoro) and Svosve of which the last two escaped. The items recovered from the arrest include a Toyota Hilux 2.4D – Reg. ACB 2697, a .308 riffle, a revolver, 10 x .308 rounds of ammunition, 22 x .22LR rounds of ammunition, 19 x .22SR rounds of ammunition, 2 x 38 special revolver rounds of ammunition, 1 x .270 rounds of ammunition, 1 shot gun round of ammunition, 3 riffle bags, 5 cell phones, 2 axes, 2 search lights and a pair of binoculars. In their possession was game which comprised of a female reedbuck, a female common duiker and a hare which were shot by riffle.

In a similar case in the Matusadonha area, rangers at Chifudzi sub-camp arrested two poachers on the 1^st of June 2011. The names of the poachers are Norman Mangarazi and Shadreck Madhadhu. The following items were recovered: 2 riffles, 2 pairs of ivory and 10 x 303 live bullets.

During the same operation, Wilson Mangwiro and Aloise Muyeche were arrested for killing two kudus with snares. Kudu meat was recovered form the arrest. All the poachers were sent to the Siakobvu Police Station.

In another incident, rangers at Tashinga arrested four Zambian poachers and the four were sent to Chalala Police Station. The names of the four lawbreakers are Factor Siamunsina, Windros Sinangarire, Michael Sianzala and Stanford Matandala. The items recovered included a banana boat, a 15HP Yamaha outboard engine, 4 spark plugs, a fuel connection line (pipe), 800 meters twine gillnets and 11 kilograms of fresh fish.

It is endeavoured that through anti-poaching activities the nation will appreciate the importance of wildlife heritage in Zimbabwe and that they will learn to live in harmony with nature.

Ivory, game meat and fish are sought after by poachers