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Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
A ZIMPARKS game ranger from Middle Sabi was on Tuesday jailed for 20 years for killing a black rhino worth US$120 000 in Chipinge Safari.
Johane Guzha of Chipinge Safari Cottage appeared before Chipinge regional magistrate, Mr Noel Mupeiwa, accused of contravening Section 45 of the Parks and Wildlife Act.
He pleaded not guilty, arguing that he killed the rhino in self defence.
Guzha, who was not represented, told the court that he killed the rhino after it charged towards him as he was on duty.
However, Mr Mupeiwa convicted Guzha due to the overwhelming evidence that was incriminating him.
For the first offence of gunning down the rhino, Guzha was sentenced to 10 years, while another 10 years was slapped on him for dehorning the animal and stealing the horn.
Guzha will, however, serve 10 years after the magistrate ruled that the sentences will run concurrently.
Mr Mupeiwa ordered ZimParks to find ways of recover the horn, which is worth US$120 000.
It was the State’s case, led by Mr Timothy Katsande, that on October 12 last year, ZimParks’ Chipinge Safari officer-in-charge, Mr Victor Mukwebu received communication from a ranger that a male rhino had been killed along Chindemayi River in Chipinge Safari.
“Mukwebu reacted to the information and advised his investigations team at Birchenough Bridge as well as the Criminal Investigations Department’s Mineral, Fauna and Flora Unit.
“Upon arrival at the scene, the team discovered that a male black rhino which was almost seven years old had been killed and the tusk dehorned.
“The carcass was in an advanced state of decomposition,” said Mr Katsande.
Mr Katsande said the investigations team made some checks along the river and discovered a blood trail.
“They followed the trail for about 2,5km.
“Searches were made and no spent cartridges were found. The following day, the game rangers who were on patrol recovered a spent cartridge.
“On January 11, the investigation officer was advised by police details from CID in Chiredzi that they had arrested Guzha at his place of residence after being tipped off that the accused person was the one who had killed the rhino. Detectives Kangoma, Chakanetsa and Kawora led the investigations,” said Mr Katsande.
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