The second major development we feel compelled to tell you about is one that we know will spark controversy. It is the publication of an official report exonerating the South African hunting company, Out of Africa, of any wrongdoing in Zimbabwe. Out of Africa, as you may or may not know, has been the subject of scores of angry and accusatory e-mails in recent months. The company has been accused of just about every possible kind of wrongdoing - failing to bank money properly in Zimbabwe, overshooting lions, bribing government officials, illegal outfitting and more. Here at The Hunting Report, we have refrained from publishing these e-mails because none of them contained provable assertions. And that continues to be the case up until today.

What Out of Africa and some other non-Zimbabwean companies have done is help bring clients into hunts on seized properties - that is, properties that once belonged to white farmers and now belong to black Zimbabweans. Out of Africa has also made wide use of black PHs, all of whom don't meet with approval by established operators. These actions have created a huge backlash among the largely white hunting establishment in Zimbabwe, which views hunting previously white properties as a form of treason or treachery. Indeed, many Hunting Report subscribers appear to share that view. After all, if the land seizures were "illegal" by international standards, Out of Africa's hunts are illegal. Also, because they involve profiteering on others tragic losses, they are unethical.

Here at The Hunting Report, we do not have a quarrel with those who take a dim view of Out of Africa and what they are doing in Zimbabwe. That is not the purpose of this bulletin. The purpose of this bulletin is to point out that the company's actions in Zimbabwe have been given what appears to us as a green light by the government. Some of you will find that information useful as you puzzle out where to hunt in 2005. Others will view it as just more indications of perfidy by a rogue government.

The official report that appears to exonerate Out of Africa was written by a Senior Warden of the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority who carries the title, Chief Investigation officer for the western region. You can read the report by clicking on the hyperlink below:

This it yet another ploy by Mugabe to bring in foreign dollers and have his farm confiscation program look as if the country has opened it doors to foreign hunters...........LONG LIVE RHODESIA

The official report that appears to exonerate Out of Africa was written by a Senior Warden of the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority who carries the title, Chief Investigation officer for the western region.

I believe this is the same official that Ganyana said had refused to deliver the original order banning OoA from hunting in Zimbabwe.

Personally, I don't think this clears the slate on OoA.

Regards,

Terry

In Section 5 of the letter from Chimedza he confirms that Out of Africa has had dealings with General Chiwenga who is on the banned list of 77.

In 2004 this letter indicates that OOA dealt either directly or indirectly with A2 farmers and placed clients on confiscated properties;

"This year's hunting season, Out Of Africa is mainly operating with Nyala Safaris which is owned by Headman Sibanda as their agent. Nyala Safaris is also buying some animals on approved National Parks quotas from new A2 farmers. Nyala Safaris is paying the farmers in Zimbabwean dollars at agreed Gwai ICA rates. These rates are almost double that of the seasoned local operators. Besides, in 2003 local seasoned safari operators were threatened by the former white landowners which resulted in them pulling out from hunting in the A2 farms as per the records. These threats were sanctioned by the Americans and MDC."

"Other than Nyala Safaris, Out of Africa is also an agent for Victoria Falls Hunters - Unit 4 owned by Michael Chidziva, Kanondo Safaris owned by Obert Mpofu, Curtain Up Enterprises owned by a group of A2 farmers. Albert Sacramento owned by a group of A2 farmers and Ugere Bho Safaris also owned by a group of A2 farmers, All are registered operators and hence are paid in foreign currency."

The letter also states that Groenewald of OOA is a star witness against a Zimbabwe Safari operator and that they do not want to ban him as they could lose the case.

The letter does not clear Out of Africa. In fact it shows that they have dealt with banned individuals and may have knowledge of other illegal activites. It indicates OOA is supporting the hunting on confiscated farms.

<---follow the money.........

quote:

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Originally posted by TNJohn:
In Section 5 of the letter from Chimedza he confirms that Out of Africa has had dealings with General Chiwenga who is on the banned list of 77.

In 2004 this letter indicates that OOA dealt either directly or indirectly with A2 farmers and placed clients on confiscated properties;

"This year's hunting season, Out Of Africa is mainly operating with Nyala Safaris which is owned by Headman Sibanda as their agent. Nyala Safaris is also buying some animals on approved National Parks quotas from new A2 farmers. Nyala Safaris is paying the farmers in Zimbabwean dollars at agreed Gwai ICA rates. These rates are almost double that of the seasoned local operators. Besides, in 2003 local seasoned safari operators were threatened by the former white landowners which resulted in them pulling out from hunting in the A2 farms as per the records. These threats were sanctioned by the Americans and MDC."

"Other than Nyala Safaris, Out of Africa is also an agent for Victoria Falls Hunters - Unit 4 owned by Michael Chidziva, Kanondo Safaris owned by Obert Mpofu, Curtain Up Enterprises owned by a group of A2 farmers. Albert Sacramento owned by a group of A2 farmers and Ugere Bho Safaris also owned by a group of A2 farmers, All are registered operators and hence are paid in foreign currency."

The letter also states that Groenewald of OOA is a star witness against a Zimbabwe Safari operator and that they do not want to ban him as they could lose the case.

The letter does not clear Out of Africa. In fact it shows that they have dealt with banned individuals and may have knowledge of other illegal activites. It indicates OOA is supporting the hunting on confiscated farms.

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TNJohn, Do you have a copy of the letter. I would be very interested in reading it.

Jeff Alexander, You are spot on with this one. Follow the food chain.

Mike,

The only current public arena that I found to have a copy of the letter is the Email section of the Hunting Report, however it is missing all of the attachments.

If you are a subscriber that would be the quickest way to read the entire letter.

Let me know if you are unsuccessful.

John