Maravi

(NEWZIMBABWE) Zambian held over 22 jumbo tusks

Zambian held over 22 jumbo tusks
24/05/2012 00:00:00
by Staff Reporter

DETECTIVES investigating the recovery of 22 elephant tusks after a shoot-out with poachers along the Zambezi River are holding a man who was shot and wounded by game rangers. The man, a Zambian national, has been named as George Chingandu from Kazungula.

Matabeleland North police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Siphiwe Makonese said the man was arrested during a joint operation between the police and wildlife rangers in the Binga area near the Zambezi River. Two other suspected poachers managed to escape.

“We have arrested a suspected Zambian poacher who is under police guard at Mpilo Central Hospital. Investigations have revealed that he is part of the poachers who fled after being found in possession of 22 elephant tusks last Saturday,” Assistant Inspector Makonese said.

Police say Chingandu was one of five poachers arrested following a shoot-out with game rangers last Saturday. The gang was held at Robins Camp, a remote police station, but managed to escape overnight.

Police and wildlife rangers then intensified patrols along known exit routes used by Zambian poachers along the Zambezi River which borders the two countries.

Officers monitoring the Victoria Falls-Kazungula Road picked up the suspects’ tracks and enlisted the help of wildlife rangers at Siamongo base station.

“Together they saw three poachers near the Zambezi River and fired warning shots at them, but they took to their heels,” Makonese said.
“The police then fired again and this time, one of the poachers, George Chingandu was shot on the arm and left shoulder.”

Chingandu was taken to Victoria Falls Hospital and later transferred to Mpilo Central Hospital.

“He revealed during investigations that he was part of the five poachers who ran away from the police at Robins Camp leaving their loot at the scene and disclosed the names of his accomplices,” Makonese said.
“Investigations are under way and we are going to do joint investigations with the Zambian police.”

Elephant ivory is typically smuggled to Asia where it is carved into ornaments.

Labels: ELEPHANTS, WILDLIFE

posted by MrK @ 6:43 PM