Wardens seize four suspected over poaching
�By Samuel Msuya, Morogoro

From The Citizen
September 8, 2009

Four suspects arrested for allegedly poaching in Wami Mbiki Game Reserve in Mvomero District, have claimed that they were sent by the area DC, Ms Fatuma Mwassa.

The culprits were allegedly caught red-handed with seven impalas they had killed in the game are during which a government vehicle was also impounded allegedly for being used by the four men on their poaching mission.

The suspects told game reverse officers that they had been sent by the DC, who has since denied involvement in the crime, directing this reporter to seek more details over the matter from the district executive officer.

Acting manager of Wami Mbiki project Abubakar Msonde, named the suspects as the district natural resources officer, Mr Thadeus Macha, Mr Bernard Mlengela, driver of Morogoro Forest Department and Abdallah Jumanne and Salum Muya, all residents of Morogorogo municipality.

Mr Msonde alleged that the four men drove into the game reserve area for poaching purposes, but were arrested as they attempted to flee after their vehicle got punctured.

"As they were pondering their next move, game wardens arrived and arrested the suspects. On interrogation, they claimed to have been sent by the district commissioner," said Mr Msonde.

According to Mr Msonde, a taxi driver who carried the game meat, Mr Mohamed Said, had earlier told reporters here that he was hired by Mr Macha to take the meet to the DC, which he did on the same day.

Mr Msonde said his office had earlier on rejected to issue a permit to the district natural resources officer on August 23, for hunting game for guests who were on the Uhuru Touch race, on the ground that the Government has banned hunting activities in the area.

He said despite the rejection, the leadership of Mvomero District defied the Government order and went ahead sanctioning the hunting in the game reserve.

Happens all the time. Good to see that this incident got press coverage; makes it harder to cover-up!