Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
A 45-YEAR-OLD suspected poacher was arrested in Chizarira National Park after being found in possession of approximately 100 grammes of cyanide and other paraphernalia.
The arrest was made by anti-poaching teams patrolling the area, one of Zimbabwe’s key national parks located in the northwestern part of the country.
Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo confirmed the development and said the suspect was assisting police with investigations and would appear in court soon.
“A 45-year-old suspected poacher was arrested today in Chizarira National Park with approximately 100g of cyanide and other assortments of poaching. He is currently in police custody and expected to appear in court soon,” he said.
Cyanide is a deadly chemical that has been used in the past to poison water sources in protected areas, resulting in mass deaths of elephants and other wildlife.
Mr Farawo applauded the swift action by the rangers and said the authority remained on high alert in its fight against poaching.
Chizarira National Park is home to diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards and various bird species.
It has, in recent years, seen increased poaching threats due to its remote terrain.
ZimParks and Defend, a renowned wildlife rescue organisation recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in a critical step towards safeguarding wildlife in Chizarira National Park.
The partnership aimed to not only protect the park’s biodiversity, but also ensure its sustainable development for future generations.
