The CITES Secretary General Mr. Willem Wijnstekers

CITES Secretary General Mr. Willem Wijnstekers arrived in Zimbabwe yesterday afternoon accompanied by CITES Chief Executive Officer for the meetings of the Conference of the Parties Mr. John Sellar.Speaking at Harare International Airport,Mr Wijnstekers said “we are not here to punish but to help”. He added that he wanted to get first hand information on poaching statistics which have been circulated in the media. Asked why he was going to Sango ranch for a private visit? Mr. Winjnstekers was quick to mention that he was doing so because the owner of Sango Ranch had invited him and he accepted the invitation, over and above that he said his best wildlife experiences were in that part of Zimbabwe. The European Union Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr. Xavier Machel and Parks and Wildlife Management Authority Director General
Dr Morris Mtsambiwa also accompanied the CITES Secretary General to Sango Ranch.

Commenting on the CITES Secretary General ‘s visit ,Parks and Wildlife Management Authority Director Conservation Mr. Vitalis Chadenga said ‘‘ We welcome the SG’s visit as it affords us an opportunity to put the record straight concerning poaching particularly of Black Rhinos. While the country has witnessed poaching cases some media reports were clearly exaggerated and it is critically important that we separate the facts from fiction.’’