Zimbabwe: Suspected Poacher Shot Dead
Beitbridge Bureau
26 March 2009


Harare — A suspected poacher was shot dead last Friday afternoon during a shoot-out with four game rangers at Mazunga Ranch, some 60km west of Beitbridge town.


His accomplice escaped unhurt.

Police Officer Commanding Crime in Beitbridge Superintendent Christopher Chisedze said the incident occurred around 2pm.

The poacher's body was taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals for a post mortem.

Supt Chisedze said two poachers went to Mazunga Ranch at around 9 am armed with a .303 rifle where they shot and killed two zebras.

Game rangers on patrol heard the shots and went towards the direction of the shots to investigate and picked up a spool, which they tracked for 5km where they found a skinned zebra carcass.

They continued tracking the duo and heard another shot at around 2pm.

An investigation led to the discovery of another skinned zebra carcass.

The rangers finally spotted the poachers hiding under a fallen tree.

One of the poachers shot at the game rangers but missed prompting the rangers to return fire.


They exchanged fire for a few minutes until one of the poachers fled the scene.

When the armed poacher could no longer stand the gun battle he tried to flee but was shot on the back and died on the spot.

The .303 rifle with three live rounds was recovered.

A report was later made to police on the same day who have since launched a manhunt for the other suspect.

Supt Chisedze said investigations were in progress and the two zebra hides were still to be recovered.

Imagine that! MMP

I hunted Mazunga last year and I met those game rangers.....good job boys!!