Elephant death toll up

Sunday Mail Correspondent
ONE elephant recently died in the Sikumi Forest that borders Hwange National Park after suspected poachers poisoned salt ponds in the area.
The latest death comes barely two months after 23 jumbos were killed using the same method and a number of suspected poachers were arrested in connection with the cases.
The suspects are currently on remand.When contacted for comment, Zimparks public relations manager, Ms Caroline Washaya-Moyo referred all questions to the Forestry Commission. She said the Commission owns the property where the jumbo was found dead.
Forestry Commission public relations officer for Matabeleland North, Mr Armstrong Tembo confirmed the development.
“On Tuesday (last week), our workers recovered the carcass of an elephant that was decomposing. The ivory was also recovered. The cause of the death is a mixture of salt and cyanide.”
Reports coming from Hwange are that the jumbo was found 10 days after its death and that it was at an advanced stage of decomposition.