Decomposing bodies of three suspected poachers found in Lake Mutirikwi

George Maponga

Masvingo Bureau

Decomposing bodies of three suspected poachers have been found in Lake Mutirikwi after the trio’s homemade canoe capsized in strong winds.

The bodies of Rangarirai Kovo of Chikwanda communal lands, Robert Ndava of Mushandike resettlement area, and Norman Rangarirai of Stop Over were found by a search party of relatives in the lake several days after they went missing.

The trio drowned after their canoe capsized amid strong winds, but their bodies could not be found even when the police sub‑aqua unit joined the search.

Masvingo provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa said the bodies were discovered by relatives.

“Two bodies were found floating in the dam, while the third body was found close to the shore by relatives who constituted a search party. All the bodies were in an advanced state of decomposition,” said Inspector Dhewa.

He corrected earlier reports that the three were suspected fishmongers.

“Besides a dead dog that was also found in the canoe, the deceased had night‑vision search lights, which suggests they were likely game poachers targeting Kyle Recreational Park.”