Zimbabwe: Three Rhinos Killed in Gonarezhou

Published by the government of Zimbabwe

The Herald (Harare)

22 August 2008
Posted to the web 22 August 2008

Harare

THREE black rhinoceros carcasses were found last week in a state of decomposition in the Gonarezhou National Park.

Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Phibeon Nyambo confirmed receiving the reports, but said they were still carrying out investigations.


"We received the report that three black rhinos had been found dehorned in the Gonarezhou National Park and we are still investigating the matter," Insp Nyambo said.

He said police suspect that poachers had invaded the park and killed the rhinos.

"We are still carrying out investigations into the matter and as of now we still have scanty information," he said.

Insp Nyambo said they have since intensified their investigations.

This brings the number of rhinos that have been killed to more than 10 since the beginning of the year.

The country lost four white rhinos and four black rhinos from a total of 700 and 400 respectively.

The rhino horns are used mostly to manufacture jewellery and tourist trinkets among other precious valuables.

Launching "The Save the Rhino Campaign" last month, the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Cde Francis Nhema, last month described the upsurge in rhinoceros poaching activities as a threat to one of the country's endangered species.

The campaign was aimed at educating the public on the need to provide adequate protection of the species whose numbers are dwindling by the day.

The Parks and Wildlife Management Authority also deployed specialised anti-poaching units to the game parks to complement rangers in an effort to curb poaching.

The campaign was being carried out in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Republic Police to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of the programme.

In addition, the Government embarked on a rhino dehorning exercise in May this year in a bid to discourage poachers from killing the animals.