Suspected Zambian poacher shot

Matabeleland North police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Siphiwe Makonese said George Chingandu of Ben Chingandu homestead, Chief Sekute, Mondiya village, Kazungula in Zambia was arrested during a joint operation between the police and parks rangers on Tuesday evening.

 

She said two of Chingandu’s accomplices managed to escape.

“We have arrested a suspected Zambian poacher who is under police guard at Mpilo Central Hospital. Investigations have revealed that he is part of the poachers who fled after being found in possession of 22 elephant tusks last Saturday,” she said.

Asst Insp Makonese said after escaping from the police on Saturday at Robins Camp, the poachers left their loot.

The police officers then intensified their patrols at strategic points leading to the Zambezi River.

Asst Insp Makonese said police officers deployed at the 29km peg along the Victoria Falls- Kazungula road saw a spoor leading to the Zambezi River.

“The officers then went and alerted parks rangers at Siamongo base. Together they saw three poachers near the Zambezi River and fired warning shots at them, but they took to their heels,” she said.

“The police then fired again and this time, one of the poachers, George Chingandu was then shot on the arm and left shoulder.”

She said a report was made to Kazungula police who attended the scene.

“On being interviewed, Chingandu revealed that he was part of the six poachers who ran away from the police at Robins Camp leaving their loot at the scene,” said Asst Insp Makonese.

“He also told the police that some of his accomplices’ names were, Martin Chingandu, Philip Lingunba, Steve Mkunda and John Mbawo and they were also armed with a rifle. Chingandu said they all reside at Mondiya village under Chief Sekute, Kazungula.”

Asst Insp Makonese said the suspected poacher also provided a Zambian cellphone number, which she said they would use to further investigations into the poaching syndicate.

She said after his arrest, Chingandu was taken to Victoria Falls Hospital and later transferred to Mpilo Central Hospital.

“Investigations are under way and we are going to do joint investigations with the Zambian police,” she said.