adminNqobile Tshili Chronicle Reporter
MATABELELAND North police yesterday said poachers were among the major culprits starting veld fires in the province.
The province has one of the country’s largest national parks, Hwange, which has often come under attack from poachers who last year killed more than 100 elephants through cyanide poisoning.
Speaking during the provincial launch of the national fire awareness week, the officer in charge of operations, Assistant Commissioner Daniel Chimwaza, said poachers accounted for most of the veld fires and many of them were living in the communities.
“We have so far received reports of seven fire cases and four of them were a result of hunting. The other two were as a result of people clearing land while the other was caused by a cigarette stub,” said Asst Comm Chimwaza.
He said it was important for the communities to assist the police in apprehending those responsible for starting veld fires.
Speaking at the same event, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs for Matabeleland North Cde Cain Mathema said it was pleasing to note that cases of veld fires were on the decline.
“A total of 125,952 hectares were lost to fires in the 2013 fire season compared to 230,734 in 2012 which shows a 45 percent drop,” he said.
Cde Mathema urged members of the public to notify responsible authorities before starting up fires.
He said stern measures should be taken against those who commit crimes against the environment.
“Environmental crimes must be classified as serious offences as they impinge on human lives,” said Cde Mathema.
He commended EMA for its efforts in educating communities on the dangers of starting veld fires.
Matabeleland North EMA chief executive officer Chipo Zuze-Mpofu, said those who fail to report culprits destroying the environment should be charged as accomplices.
“If you see someone murdering someone and you don’t report the crime, you are as good as the murderer. The same attitude should be adopted when it comes to those starting veld fires,” she said.
Zuze-Mpofu urged members of the public to put up fireguards to protect their properties from veld fires.
During the launch EMA workers demonstrated how to prevent veld fires as well as putting out the fires.
Online Reporter