The Sunday Mail
Senior Reporter
Three suspected poachers, including a senior police officer, have been arrested inside the Bubi Rhino Breeding Sanctuary in Matabeleland North on suspicion of poaching.
The trio was nabbed on Friday by Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZimParks) rangers during a night swoop inside the sanctuary.
Hlanhla Nkomo (43), an assistant inspector with the ZRP, Stanley Kalandiza (50), a Zambian national; and Owen Nyoni (35), a former ZimParks ranger; were apprehended following a tip off.
Authorities recovered a rifle, an AK-47 magazine and 58 rounds of ammunition.
ZimParks spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo yesterday confirmed the case.
“Last night (Friday), our rangers arrested a three-man gang of suspected poachers inside the Bubi Rhino Breeding Sanctuary on suspicion of poaching,” said Mr Farawo.
“The three include a serving member of the ZRP, a Zambian national and a former ZimParks ranger.
“Bubi Conservancy is a protected area and our officers were on patrol after a tip-off when they intercepted the three and recovered the weapons and ammunition.
“Our rangers are working closely with our sister security organisations, including the police, to make sure we provide security to our wildlife.
“This incident comes after we have just lost two gallant rangers who were killed after a fight with suspected poachers.”
