Poacher jailed 20 months for killing wild beast

A WILDLIFE poacher from Mazwi Village, located on the outskirts of Bulawayo, has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for illegally killing a wildebeest valued at US$5 000.

Dumisani Dube (39) was convicted of poaching in violation of the Parks and Wildlife Act by Western Commonage provincial resident magistrate Mr Vakayi Douglas Chikwekwe.

Dube was found guilty of straying onto the Rosepan Game Farm, where he killed a wildebeest with the assistance of his dogs.

The magistrate suspended six months of the sentence on the condition that Dube compensates Rosepan Game Farm with US$5 000 or the equivalent amount in local currency at the prevailing interbank rate at the time of payment, through the clerk of court.

In delivering the sentence, Mr Chikwekwe said Dube’s conviction was supported by compelling evidence, including his footprints at the crime scene, which led game scouts directly to his residence.

“While questioning him, the offender fled from his homestead and was arrested several months later,” said Mr Chikwekwe.

The magistrate said there is a rising prevalence of poaching cases, underscoring the necessity for stringent sentences to deter potential offenders.

“Wildebeests are an attraction to tourists and boost the tourism industry. The offender benefitted from the commission of the crime, and the complainant was prejudiced by US$5 000. A custodial sentence will, therefore, meet the justice of this case,” ruled Mr Chikwekwe.

The prosecutor, Ms Audrey Kufandikani detailed the events of the night of August 19, when Dube entered Rosepan Game Farm, hunted, and killed a wildebeest using his dogs. After skinning the animal and taking the meat, he left the property.

“The following day, game scouts on patrol discovered the offence when they encountered remains of the beast’s carcass. They tracked Dube’s footprints, which led them to his home. Upon arrival at his home, Dube fled,” she said.

Following Dube’s escape, game scouts retrieved the shoes he left behind and took them to the police, prompting an investigation that ultimately led to Dube’s arrest.