By Tinashe Mungazi
A suspected poacher was shot and injured during a shootout with Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) rangers in Sijarira Conservancy area, Siabuwa, Binga.
Police sources said Zimparks rangers who were on patrol in the area came across three armed poachers before a shoot out ensued between the two parties.
One of the suspected poachers was shot and injured in the chest.
“I can confirm that suspected poachers exchanged gunfire in a shooting spree in Sijarira, Siabuwa area but the poachers could not stand the heat and one of them was injured in the chest. We are still investigating the circumstances and should get finer details soon from Binga district. Our appeal: crime-prone elements should desist from carrying out poaching activities in the National Parks for the long arm of the law will surely catch up with them, ” said Matabeleland North provincial spokesperson, Inspector Glory Banda.
The injured man whose current condition is unknown is said to have been taken to Chuunga clinic before being transferred to Binga district hospital.
It is reported that his two colleagues escaped leaving him behind as the shootout intensified.
The incident comes in the backdrop of a similar one in which a Binga fisherman was on Monday shot and injured following a scuffle with Zimparks rangers after being caught in a restricted fishing area.
The man, Freddy Mudenda who is currently recuperating under police guard was shot and injured on his thigh after he allegedly allegedly attacked Zimparks rangers with a rowing stick as they attempted to effect an arrest.
Mudenda now faces charges of fishing in a protected area and possessing prohibited fishing material and is yet to appear in court.
Zimparks spokesperson, Tinashe Farawo said he was yet to get a report but expressed concern at the increase of poaching cases in the district.
“I’m not aware of the incident. I am yet to get a report of that however we are worried about the trend in poaching in Binga district. There is a lot of smuggling taking place of groceries, fish and other goods.”
