admin
Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
Poachers recently killed a black rhinoceros and de-horned it at Chipinge Safari Camp.
The decomposing carcass of the black rhinoceros was recovered without the horn.
Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Nobert Muzondo confirmed the incident and said investigations are in progress.
“Poachers sneaked into Chipinge Safari Camp armed with unknown rifles. They proceeded to one of the water points along Chidimayi River in the safari where they shot and killed a black rhinoceros.
“On October 12, the informant who was on patrol in the company of fellow game rangers discovered the carcass of the black rhinoceros about 500 metres along Chidima River,” he said.
Inspector Muzondo said investigations carried out revealed that the black rhinoceros was shot at the water point while drinking water.
“A trail of blood was seen emanating from the water point along the river to the place where the carcass was discovered. The carcass was inspected and it was discovered that it was notched on both ears. It was also observed that the poachers used an unknown sharp object to remove the horn,” said Inspector Muzondo.
A search was carried out, but no spent cartridges were seen around the vicinity of the crime scene.
“Checks were made with Zimparks records and it was established that the black rhinoceros had a Notch Number 1481, first recorded in 2015,” he said.
Online Reporter