A Beitbridge magistrate Mr. Jabulani Muzinyati has sentenced a poacher to six years in prison.
The poacher Hardlife Nkomo was on April 20 2010 sentenced for illegally hunting rhinos and
was further given two years for possessing an unlicensed weapon. Innocent Shumbayaonda
presided over the matter.

It is the state’s case that Hardlife Nkomo accompanied Life Mbedzi and Never Zhou into Bubye
River Conservancy was they intended to hunt rhinos. They were armed with a 303 rifle which
was fitted with a telescopic site and a silencer. They came across a patrolling team of game
rangers and they exchanged fire. Life Mbedzi was shot and killed on the spot; Hardlife Nkomo
was shot and captured while Never Zhou escaped by was later apprehended. He is expected to
appear in court soon.

Parks and Wildlife Management Authority Acting Director General Mr. Vitalis Chadenga has
hailed the sentence saying it will not only deter would be poachers but will help put the country’s
conservation efforts back on track.