Poaching syndicate descends on Beitbridge

Beitbridge Reporter
August 3, 2009



WELL-ORGANISED poaching syndicates have descended on Nottingham Safari area in Beitbridge District where they are reportedly killing wildlife and livestock from surrounding villages.
The councillor for Ward 7, which covers the safari area, Clr Flora Muleya, said poachers from Masera village and other areas in Ward 6 were setting up snares that caught wildlife as well as cattle belonging to local villagers.
“We are really concerned about the poaching activities taking place in Nottingham area and local villagers are also losing their cattle as they are also being caught in these snares and we are therefore appealing to the relevant authorities to address the problem as a matter of urgency,” she said.
Clr Muleya said she had since brought the issue before the full council meeting.
Poachers are gaining access into the area following the theft of the fence.
Nottingham Safari is a vast wildlife area belonging to the State.
The area, which initially was owned by a local commercial farmer, was acquired by the Government in 2000.
Clr Muleya also called on the Government to construct more clinics in the area, saying local villagers, some from as far as Ndambe area, were travelling more than 20km to seek services at Masera Clinic.
“We also urge Government to refurbish Masera Clinic, which is now in a dilapidated state,” she said.
Masera Clinic, which is situated in Beitbridge West constituency, has also been dogged by thefts and recently solar panels, which are used in powering communication radios, were stolen — a development that has now affected the health delivery system in the area.
Clr Muleya also expressed concern over this year's poor winter wheat crop in the ward, a development she attributed to the break down of engine pumps at Ndambe Irrigation Scheme.
“We are also appealing for assistance so that we can have our engines repaired since Beitbridge is a drought prone district, which largely relies on irrigation farming," she said.

quote:

The area, which initially was owned by a local commercial farmer, was acquired by the Government in 2000.

An eloquent way to white wash imense larceny!!

P'raps they'd like the 'previous owner' to finance a new anti poaching operation to help save the animals he's 'previously owned'

I expect some pig ignorant, do gooding charitable organisation will offer money to save the animals and pay for a new clinic etc.

Only in Africa!