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West Province.
The eight have since led police to the recovery of three 303 rifles, 10 rounds of ammunition, two elephant tusks, axes, spears and various animal hides.
Deputy police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Oliver Mandipaka, yesterday said the suspects aged between 20 and 42 had cleared several poaching cases.
He said last Tuesday, following a spate of poaching in Mhangura, game rangers from Chenanga Game Park and police teamed up before they went to Kachuta area in Guruve, where they conducted raids at the homes of known poachers.
They first raided one of the suspect, Brian Nyamhaka’s house, where they found two elephant tusks, two 303 rifles, two elephant tails, 10 rounds of ammunition, three spears, hides and three axes, among others.
Nyamhaka was arrested and he implicated the other suspect Takemore Bongo (41) who was also arrested.
His home was searched and they discovered a 303 rifle, a spear and several hides hidden in his homestead.
The two then implicated the other six suspects and their homes were searched but police could not find anything.
“Our CID Minerals Unit are still conducting investigations and the suspects are likely to clear several cases.
“There are more anti-poaching operations to be conducted to ensure that such cases are reduced countrywide,” chief supt Mandipaka said.
In April this year, police arrested four suspected poachers after they found them in possession of 33kg of ivory worth over US$8 500 at Avondale Shopping Centre in Harare.
The four, George Chatanga (42), Shepherd Naite (37), Farai Dzvairo (31), all of Chitungwiza and Kenneth Sibanda (47) of Glen Norah were arrested at Avondale Shopping Centre following a tip off.
Members of the public spotted the four as they waited at the shopping centre.
They became suspicious of their movements and informed the police who carried out surveillance.
Online Reporter