Online Reporter
Sunday Mail Reporter
MORE than 185 people were arrested for poaching in the first nine months of the year, as the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) stepped up efforts to protect the country’s rich wildlife heritage.
ZimParks acting public relations manager Mr Tamirirashe Mudzingwa said 13 people have already been convicted and handed nine-year jail sentences for wildlife-related crimes.
“From January 1 to September 30, 2025, a total of 185 people were arrested, mostly outside parks estates.
“Of these, 13 were sentenced to nine years and above, while 81 received sentences below nine years,” said Mr Mudzingwa. Most of the arrests, he said, occurred in communities bordering protected estates, where poachers continue to target high-value species like elephants, rhinos, pangolins and rare reptiles.
“Efforts to curb poaching include increased covert and overt patrols, lobbying for deterrent sentences through stakeholder collaboration and community involvement through awareness and livelihood projects,” Mr Mudzingwa added.
Poaching hotspots remain concentrated in provinces such as Mashonaland West, Matabeleland North and Masvingo, which host key conservation zones.
Despite increased enforcement, conservationists have raised concern over lenient sentences in some cases, warning that they fail to deter repeat offenders and organised syndicates. The authorities have also been alarmed by reports of collusion between some wildlife rangers and poaching networks, saying corruption and use of minimum force during arrests undermine conservation gains.
ZimParks said poaching, along with climate change and economic hardship in surrounding communities, continues to pressure wildlife populations and fuel human-wildlife conflict.
“The authority continues to emphasise community engagement and empowerment as key to reducing reliance on poaching and ensuring the long-term protection of wildlife,” Mr Mudzingwa said. Stakeholders have since called for a holistic approach combining strong law enforcement, judicial reforms and sustainable community development to safeguard Zimbabwe’s wildlife for future generations.
