Army Implicated in Poaching
Sandra Mandizvidza
12 June 2010



MEMBERS of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) have been accused of leading a syndicate of poachers in Kariba prejudicing the country of millions of dollars in revenue.

Conservationist Task Force Chairman Johnny Rodrigues said several army vehicles have been transporting loads of meat in the Charara area of Kariba during the past few months.

"I can confirm that the army is involved in illegal poaching and army vehicles, particularly Mazda B2200 trucks are constantly seen in Charara with meat," said Rodrigues.

"These cars are not stopped at police roadblocks because the police would be bribed with meat. The meat is from different animals like zebra, kudu and buffalo," he said.

In the past few years, several government officials have been implicated in poaching cases.

Last year, a docket which implicated two ministers mysteriously disappeared and the police superintendent who was in charge of the case was transferred to another station.

Rodrigues also said he had a dossier with names of senior government officials involved in illegal poaching.

"I reported the case to Parks and Wildlife Management Authority but they are ignoring me," he said. "I have been warned by some people whom I cannot mention by names that if I release the dossier I would be arrested."

Rodrigues accused the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority of trying to cover up for politicians who are poaching the animals.

Army spokesperson Colonel Overson Mugwisi denied the allegations saying they stopped using Mazda B2200s a long time ago.

"This is just a mischievous report; the army used to have B2200 trucks but we don't use them anymore. However I will find out if there is anything like that," said Mugwisi.

Parks director-general Vitalis Chadenga said he had no evidence linking the security forces to poaching.


"I don't have evidence that any of the security agencies are involved," said Chadenga. "Rodrigues should provide proof and registration numbers of the vehicles so that we can investigate further.

"Our mandate is to ensure that we protect the wildlife heritage. We work closely with the army and police, but whatever wildlife crime we come across we prosecute, we don't consider one's position."

Poachers shot and killed 10 elephants at Gonarezhou National Park last week. The elephant's carcasses without tusks were found lying along a river and no arrests have been made.

The national parks authorities have since put a $1 000 reward for any one with information leading to the poachers' arrest.

I don't believe it.
I am shocked; shocked, I tell you. Next you'll be telling me that KWS is the best source of bush-meat from Loki to Lunga Lunga.

Yeah So surprises there!!!

So, what's new ?

Having just come from Zim (had been there two months working in a safari camp) I can tell you 1000% the Army, the Police and every other SOB with a gun or a piece of wire is involved in poaching. Here is a great example - guy is caught with a dead Dugga Boy - caught him, dead to rights, he is turned over to the local Police - he receives a $20 USD fine and is released - with some meat from the BUFFALO!!!
Ain't it grand?
Later -
Brian