admin“The man, who was armed with an AK-47 rifle and in the company of his colleague still at large, had strayed into Bubi Conservancy when they came into close contact with game rangers who were on an anti-poaching operation in the area resulting in an exchange of fire,” he said.
The suspected poacher, who has been identified as Motakela Mukosiku of Hwange, was shot on the left collarbone and died on the spot.
His colleague took the rifle and managed to flee from the scene.
Chief Supt Chinhengo said the game rangers later tried to trace the suspected poacher, but failed to locate him. They then reported the matter to the police and the body was taken to Beitbridge District Hospital mortuary.
Chief Supt Chinhengo said they recovered a satchel which contained 38 rounds of live ammunition, a torch, an axe, a kitchen knife, gloves, a pair of pliers, the dead man’s mobile phone, his national identity card and a bottle of gun oil.
Three spent cartridges were also found at the scene. Chief Supt Chinhengo said there were no casualties among the rangers.
He said they have since launched a manhunt for the other suspect who is on the run.
“As police, we continue to warn poachers against straying into protected safari areas as they risk being killed and we believe this incident will also send a serious warning to would-be poachers,” said Chief Supt Chinhengo.
Of late there has been an increase in the number of poaching activities in the country in which rhinos are the most-targeted species.
Last week, two armed poachers were shot dead and a third injured in a shootout with game rangers in Mkanga Safari in eastern Zambezi Valley.
Online Reporter