Saturday, September 26, 2009 1:14:17 PM
Police nab Nyimba villagers for burning ZAWA camp

Written by Christopher Miti in Chipata

POLICE in Nyimba have arrested 16 villagers from chief Lwembe's area for burning a Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) camp after a poacher was shot dead by unknown people.
Eastern Province police commanding officer Mary Chikwanda yesterday confirmed the arrests in an interview.

Chikwanda said the villagers burnt Kalansha Camp on Wednesday because they believed their relative was killed by ZAWA officers.

"After their colleague was shot dead, the villagers suspected that he was shot by ZAWA officers so they blocked the road and burnt the camp. So things like clothes, uniforms and other items were destroyed at the camp," she said.

Chikwanda said the villagers should have reported the matter to the police rather than taking the law into their hands and burn a ZAWA camp.

"The information that we have gathered from some relatives is that there were three suspected poachers who went out in the bush. One came back, the second one came back the following day. And when they were asked, they said 'we were quarrelling'. And one of them said he heard a gun shot in the bush but they were not clear who shot him. So we are still investigating this matter," she said.

Chikwanda said it would be difficult to conclude that ZAWA officers or fellow poachers killed the suspected poacher before investigations were concluded.

"You know, if these people had reported to police, police would have investigated and established the one who killed this person. So I advise them not to take the law into hands and I don't think the issue of ZAWA is true," she said.

Chikwanda said the 16 villagers would be charged with arson and other charges.

"You know these people are supposed to appear in court today (Friday) and will be charged with arson, vandalism and aiding prisoners to escape among other charges," said Chikwanda.