120 poachers nabbed

HR. From The Herald

AT least 120 suspected poachers were arrested in Masvingo over the past week after they allegedly went on the rampage and killed wildlife and destroyed vast swathes of forests in the Mushandike Wildlife Sanctuary and Masvingo Wildlife Conservancy.

The suspects were rounded up during a joint operation involving police, parks rangers and security guards.
The poachers were targeting the wildlife-rich Mushandike Wildlife Sanctuary and also forests in the adjacent Masvingo Conservancy.
Co-ordinator of Masvingo Wildlife Conservancy Cde Isaiah Muzenda yesterday said there was urgent need to curb rampant poaching which had reached alarming proportions.
He said there existed a serious threat of deforestation in Masvingo if the poachers were not controlled while abundant game in Mushandike Wildlife Sanctuary was also in equal danger.
"We have so far managed to arrest at least 120 poachers prying for both firewood and game in Masvingo Conservancy and Mushandike Game Park and we have been working with officers from the parks authority and the police.
"All those who were arrested were taken by police as we decided to enter into joint exercises to curb poaching which had become rife in our area," said Cde Muzenda.

"All were later released after paying $1,000,000(Zim) fine and money collected was used at the staff latrine."

Yeah, no doubt they all got off with nothing more than a slap on the wrists. Over the years we have arrested hundreds of poachers and seldom do we achieve a conviction, let alone jail time. The best plan is to turn a blind eye and let the gamescouts deal with it in their own way. Bush justice works much better. I wonder how much comrade Muzenda had to do with it?