The fight against wildlife crime in Matabeleland is under severe strain due to limited resources, delayed justice, and weak cross-border enforcement, investigators have warned.
The concerns emerged during a multi-stakeholder engagement held on Thursday in Bulawayo, organised by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) to discuss challenges in investigating, prosecuting, and adjudicating environmental cases in the region.
Everisto Simayo, from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), said the North West Matabeleland region, which covers Hwange, Tsholotsho, Binga, Victoria Falls and surrounding areas, recorded 78 wildlife crime cases sent to court in 2025.
“So far, five cases are pending, 73 have been finalised, and eight people have received sentences of nine years or more,” Simayo said.
In the Matobo region, which includes Bulawayo and Beitbridge, 84 cases were sent to court, with seven still pending. Seventy-seven were finalised, and eight individuals received custodial sentences of nine years or longer.
Simayo said investigations were hampered by a shortage of personnel, finances, and transport, which delayed responses to poaching incidents.
“In North West Matabeleland, we are fully resourced with the support of wildlife partners, but in Matobo region, which includes Bulawayo, mobility is a major challenge. This affects timely attendance to poaching incidents,” he said.
He highlighted the lack of an in-country DNA forensic laboratory as a significant obstacle.
“DNA analysis helps identify species, link evidence to specific animals, and connect suspects to crime scenes. It also determines the origin of confiscated wildlife products like ivory and horns. The absence of such a facility hinders our investigations,” Simayo said.
Other challenges include a shortage of quarantine facilities for confiscated wildlife, which are essential for disease control, observation, and rehabilitation.
“Quarantine facilities allow us to isolate animals, conduct health assessments, and rehabilitate them before returning them to the wild,” he said.
Simayo also pointed to cross-border criminal networks, well-organised poaching syndicates, and porous borders, which make enforcement difficult.
“Criminals know no borders. Without cooperation with regional countries and law enforcement agencies like Interpol, apprehending suspects is extremely difficult,” he said.
He noted that climate change has further complicated enforcement, increasing human-wildlife conflicts during droughts and altering weather patterns.
Community engagement is another critical factor, Simayo added.
“Limited awareness and lack of tangible benefits from wildlife can lead communities to tolerate exploitation by poachers. At the end of the day, if they don’t benefit from wildlife, they may question why animals are being protected,” he said.
ZimParks also expressed concern over delays in finalising wildlife cases. Prolonged proceedings risk witness unavailability, degradation of evidence, and weaker outcomes.
“Most wildlife cases take a long time to finalise despite available evidence. Delays can negatively affect outcomes, as witnesses may move, pass away, or evidence may deteriorate,” Simayo said.
Repeat offenders are another persistent issue. Individuals charged with offences carrying sentences of nine to 20 years are often granted bail, only to abscond or reoffend.
“Re-arrested offenders often abuse bail conditions, undermining our mandate. Continuous engagement with the National Prosecuting Authority and the judiciary has helped address this,” he said.
Simayo also highlighted inconsistencies in court judgments, where similar offences attract different penalties depending on location.
“An offence in Plumtree may result in community service, while the same offence in Beitbridge could lead to six months’ imprisonment. This undermines deterrence,” he said.
Finally, he noted that limited deterrent penalties, weak appreciation of wildlife’s ecological and economic value, and witness intimidation, including threats and violence, remain major obstacles.
ZimParks is advocating for stronger political will, improved stakeholder collaboration, and modern technology such as drones, cameras, and K9 units to strengthen wildlife crime enforcement.
Support CITE’s fearless, independent journalism. Your donation helps us amplify community voices, fight misinformation, and hold power to account. Help keep the truth alive. Donate today