Four poachers die in shootout

Herald Reporters
June 10, 2009

Police in Masvingo at the weekend shot and killed four poachers including one believed to be a soldier following a shootout at Ruware Conservancy in Chiredzi, bringing to seven the number of poachers killed in the Lowveld over the past month.

It is believed that the four, who were part of a group of seven suspected poachers, wanted to kill and de-horn rhinos when they were intercepted by a police team working in conjunction with game rangers from the conservancy.

The poachers reportedly started firing at the police and the game rangers after they were ambushed and ordered to surrender.

Two of the suspects fled, but one was arrested and police were able to impound an Isuzu truck that was used for the abortive mission and two rifles, a pistol and more than 10 live rounds of ammunition and spent cartridges.

The death of the four poachers comes hard on the heels of last month’s shooting of three suspected poachers by police in the nearby Malilangwe Conservancy Trust.

The poachers were also after rhinos.

The four were identified as Marvelous Masvauro (48) a soldier based in Masvingo and attached to Operation Maguta, Godfrey Dhliwayo, Jameson Madividze and Bothwell Mazhetesi, all of Masvingo.

Support Unit police spokesperson Inspector Charles Jack said the four’s accomplice Innocent Mudzviti (30) of Masvingo helped them identify the poachers after he was arrested.

Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Phibion Nyambo on Monday confirmed the shooting of the four poachers in the Lowveld, saying investigations were continuing.

"We shot and killed four poachers at Ruware Conservancy and the poachers had fired at the police first when they were ordered to surrender and we want to strongly warn such elements that in future we will not hesitate to shoot because rhino poaching is on the increase in the Lowveld," said Insp Nyambo.

He said police were intensifying patrols in the Lowveld.

It is believed police in Chiredzi received a tip-off that there were some poachers on the prowl in the Ruware Conservancy area and they teamed up with game rangers from the conservancy before ambushing them.

When the suspects were confronted by the joint team of police and game rangers, they allegedly opened fire and a shootout ensued resulting in the death of the four.

Cases of poaching have been on the increase in the Lowveld and during the past 12 months.

Zimbabwe has lost more than 70 rhinos to poachers earning the country censure from Cites and putting the country on the group’s agenda next year.

The poachers are believed to comprise local and foreign nationals who have woven well-organised syndicates that are lured by big money that accrues from selling rhino horns abroad.