Two suspected poachers were killed in a shootout with ZIMPARKS rangers in Mashonaland West Province over.
They were reportedly part of a four-man gang on a hunting expedition ahead of the festive season.
According to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200036418/two-poachers-gunned-down">NewsDay</a>, the poachers were killed in DX Marongora Game Park near Nyamakate, Chief Chundu area.
Two of the suspects were shot and died on the spot, while one was injured in both legs. The fourth suspect has been arrested.
It is alleged that the poachers, who have been identified, are from Hurungwe Ward 7 in Nyamakate village. The deceased are Tawanda Mapako of Village 23 and Courage Maodza of Village 20A.
The bodies of the deceased were reportedly transported by helicopter late on Saturday due to the challenging terrain where the shootout occurred along the Zambezi Valley escarpment.
ZIMPARKS spokesperson Tinashe Farawo confirmed the incident, saying investigations are ongoing. Said Farawo:
<blockquote>
…There was an armed contact in Hurungwe where unfortunately two suspected poachers lost their lives.
During the incident, one of the survivors was injured while the fourth one was arrested. The matter was reported to the police and investigations are underway.
</blockquote>
ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said:
<blockquote>
I can confirm the death of two suspected poachers during an exchange of gunfire near Marongora. Investigations are still ongoing and police will release more details of the incident in due course.
</blockquote>
In Zimbabwe, villagers are generally not allowed to hunt game without proper authorisation, as it is considered poaching.
ZIMPARKS regulates hunting activities, and only licensed hunters with permits are allowed to hunt in designated areas.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Two poachers were shot dead by ZIMPARKS rangers in Zimbabwe. They were hunting without permission and got into a shootout with the rangers. Two of the poachers died, one was injured, and one was arrested. The incident happened in Marongora Game Park. The bodies were airlifted due to difficult terrain. The authorities are investigating the incident. Villagers in Zimbabwe need permission to hunt, or it is considered poaching. Only licensed hunters are allowed to hunt in certain areas.

Two Poachers Shot Dead By ZIMPARKS Rangers In Makuti... More Details Emerge

Police have confirmed that two poachers were killed during a shootout with Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZIMPARKS) rangers on Saturday.
According to a brief statement from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the encounter took place in the Musingwizi Area of Makuti, located in Mashonaland West Province. Police said:
<blockquote>
The ZRP confirms the death of two poachers during a shootout with Zimparks rangers in Musingwizi Area, Makuti on 21/12/24. More details to be released in due course.
</blockquote>
Makuti, surrounded by wildlife and safari areas, has become a hotspot for poacher activity, with some criminals coming from neighbouring Zambia.
In March 2024, three poachers from Zambia were arrested in Katombola, near the Kazungula border post in Matabeleland North Province.
They were subsequently jailed for nine years each for poaching, illegal possession of ivory, and illegal entry into Zimbabwe.
The three Zambian nationals arrested were identified as Liston Muchelo (22), Alex Kakoma (22), and Martin Silishebo (36).
During the operation, two of their accomplices were shot dead in a firefight with ZIMPARKS rangers, while one managed to escape.
The arrest led to the recovery of 15 elephant tusks weighing 128.82 kilograms, firearms, and six live rounds of ammunition.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Two poachers were killed by ZIMPARKS rangers in Makuti during a shootout. Makuti is a place where many poachers try to hunt animals like elephants. In another incident earlier this year, three poachers from Zambia were arrested for poaching in Zimbabwe. They were jailed for nine years each. During that arrest, two more poachers were shot by rangers. The rangers also found 15 elephant tusks, guns, and bullets. Poaching is a dangerous and illegal activity that can harm wildlife.

Two Poachers Killed By ZIMPARKS Rangers In Makuti

Two men from Bikita and Marondera respectively, were each sentenced to 9 years in prison by a Mutare magistrate after being caught with a pangolin.
Pangolins are specially protected animals under the Parks and Wildlife Act, and possessing one illegally can result in severe penalties, including a mandatory minimum sentence of 9 years imprisonment.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Tapiwa Machaya (43) from Bikita and Rodrick Murambisi (32) from Marondera appeared before the Mutare Magistrates’ Court for contravening the Parks and Wildlife Act.
On July 16, 2024, CID Mutare received information that the accused had a pangolin and were looking for a buyer.
Detectives, posing as buyers, contacted Murambisi using a number provided by a whistleblower and arranged to meet at Manica Skyview Hotel.
The detectives observed Murambisi disembarking from a Toyota Aqua and invited him into their vehicle. He stated he needed US$6,000 for the pangolin. The first accused, Machaya, was waiting nearby with a brown satchel.
Once the price was agreed upon, the detectives revealed their identities and searched, discovering a pangolin in a brown sack within Machaya’s satchel.
The accused could not produce a permit authorising them to possess the pangolin, leading to their arrest. The pangolin, weighing 4.2 kg and valued at US$5,000, was recovered.

Two men were sent to prison for 9 years for being caught with a pangolin, a protected animal. They were found guilty of breaking the law. The police acted like they wanted to buy the pangolin from the men, but then they caught them red-handed. The pangolin was found in a bag, and the men didn't have permission to have it. So, they were arrested and sent to prison. Pangolins are special animals, and it is important to protect them. The men did something wrong, and that's why they got in trouble.

Two Pangolin Poachers Jailed For 9 Years

Three lions were discovered dead in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, with their heads and paws removed.
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) suspects that the incident is linked to poaching for ritual purposes.
According to ZimParks, the lions were shot on Monday at Nyamandlovu Pan, near Hwange Main Camp, before being beheaded and having their paws cut off.
ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo stated that the lions were killed using a heavy-calibre rifle. Said Farawo:
<blockquote>
We are investigating a suspected case of lions poaching in Hwange, the suspects used a heavy calibre rifle before they chopped the heads and feet of the lions.
</blockquote>
Occasionally in Zimbabwe, lions kill people, often with little public condemnation. In contrast, when humans kill lions, it sparks outrage among conservationists both locally and globally.
In 2015, there was widespread condemnation when Cecil the Lion, one of the country’s most famous big cats, was lured with an elephant carcass and subsequently hunted.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the global population of wild African lions has drastically declined to approximately 23,000, down from around 200,000 at the start of the last century.
In Zimbabwe, the lion population is estimated to be around 2,000.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Three lions in Hwange were found dead without heads and paws. Suspected to be poaching for rituals, lions were shot and mutilated. ZimParks investigate. In Zimbabwe, when lions kill people, it's okay, but if humans kill lions, it's bad. Cecil the Lion was killed in 2015, causing anger. The lion population is decreasing worldwide. The African lion population has gone from 200,000 to 23,000. In Zimbabwe, there are around 2,000 lions. Many are concerned about the conservation of lions.

Three Lions Found With Heads And Paws Removed In suspected Ritual-use Poaching Incident In Hwange

In a recent incident in Katombora, Middle Zambezi Valley, two suspected poachers met a fatal end after engaging in a firefight with Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife (Zimparks) rangers.
The confrontation resulted in the deaths of the poachers, while three others were apprehended. 
The rangers acted swiftly to protect wildlife and recovered 15 elephant tusks, along with a rifle and ammunition.
Zimparks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo confirmed the incident posting on X:
<blockquote>
2 suspected poachers were gunned down in Katombora (Mid Zambezi) after an exchange of fire with @Zimparks rangers while 3 were arrested. 15 tusks, 375 rifle, 5 rounds of ammunition were recovered. Investigations are in progress.
</blockquote>
Poaching remains a critical issue in Zimbabwe, threatening the country’s rich wildlife heritage.
A recent investigation revealed a cyanide scandal implicating authorities and a mysterious Chinese businesswoman named Li Song.
According to The NewsHawks report, a staggering 40 tonnes and a pallet containing 1.1 tonnes of cyanide were clandestinely and unlawfully stored at a warehouse in Bulawayo.
Cyanide, commonly associated with mining, is also used by poachers, with recent reports suggest that over 300 elephants have died in Hwange National Park due to poachers lacing watering holes and salt licks with cyanide.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Two Poachers Gunned Down, Three Arrested In Mid-Zambezi

Poachers recently killed and de-horned a black rhinoceros at Chipinge Safari Camp.
ZRP spokesperson in Manicaland Province, Inspector Nobert Muzondo, confirmed the incident to <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/poachers-kill-black-rhino/">The Manica Post</a> saying the decomposing carcass of the black rhinoceros was found on 12 October. He said:
<blockquote>
Poachers sneaked into Chipinge Safari Camp armed with unknown rifles. They proceeded to one of the water points along the Chidimayi River on the safari where they shot and killed a black rhinoceros.
On October 12, the informant who was on patrol in the company of fellow game rangers discovered the carcass of the black rhinoceros about 500 metres along Chidimayi River.
A trail of blood was seen emanating from the water point along the river to the place where the carcass was discovered.
The carcass was inspected and it was discovered that it was notched on both ears. 
It was also observed that the poachers used an unknown sharp object to remove the horn.
Checks were made with Zimparks records and it was established that the black rhinoceros had a Notch Number 1481, first recorded in 2015.
</blockquote>

Poachers Kill, De-horn Black Rhino

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said that 3 poachers died after they engaged game scouts in a shootout in the Save Conservancy. Police said in a statement:
<blockquote>Three poachers died after a shoot-out with game scouts at Bubi Valley Conservancy.
The poachers who were armed with a firearm resisted orders to stop ignored warning shots when they were spotted in the conservancy, instead they shot at the scouts but lost the battle that ensued.</blockquote>
In another development, ZRP said that 27 suspected smugglers were arrested in Beitbridge and have appeared before the courts of law;
<blockquote>Police in Beitbridge have intensified anti-smuggling operations in the border town and have so far intercepted five motor vehicles with smuggled goods and arrested 27 accused persons for possession of smuggled goods. All the accused persons have been arraigned before the courts.
Members of the public are urged to declare all their imported goods when entering the country.</blockquote>

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