Poachers in shootout with farm owners

Midlands Bureau Chief

Bulawayo Chronicle-September 7, 2007

POLICE in Gweru have arrested three poachers armed with a rifle who were involved in a shootout with the owners of the farm where they had been caught skinning two zebras they had allegedly killed, it has been learnt.


During the exchange of fire, one of them was shot and injured on the arm leading to his arrest.
The incident happened on Wednesday morning around 6am at Foxton Farm in Gweru.
Midlands Acting Police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the three suspects, Mkhokheli Dube of Somabhula, Ray Zulu of Shamrock Park and Albert Svure of Gweru were arrested and were in police custody.
“I can confirm that we arrested the three suspects after they were allegedly caught poaching at the farm. They were armed with a rifle,†he said.
Asst Insp Mahoko said while the suspects were at the farm, they shot down two zebras and started skinning them.
“When they fired the shots, the farm owner heard them (the gun shots) and teamed up with his employees and went out to investigate while also armed with a rifle.
“They were discovered while still skinning the animals and the farm owner and his team fired one warning shot at the poachers,†he said.
Asst Insp Mahoko said the poachers responded by firing back at the farm owner and his team resulting in the two camps engaging in a shootout.
“One of the poachers, Ray Zulu was shot on the right arm. He was subsequently arrested and taken to the police where the matter was reported.
“Further followups of his accomplices were made resulting in the arrest of his two accomplices, Dube and Svure,†he said.
Zulu was later taken to Gweru Provincial Hospital where he is admitted under police guard.
Asst Insp Mahoko said investigations were still under way and the three suspects were expected in court soon.
“Poaching is a serious crime. People who want to engage in hunting should seek authority from the department of Parks and Wildlife. Failure to do so will be risking arrest by police,†he said.