adminClement Mukwasi Victoria Falls Correspondent
A NATIONAL Parks and Wildlife Management Authority ranger based at Matetsi has been arrested for allegedly shooting and killing a 32-year-old man in the Tiperere area after his service assault rifle discharged while he was trying to clear it at a tuckshop.
The incident, which has left the Matetsi community on the outskirts of Victoria Falls in shock, happened on Sunday afternoon.
The ranger, Trevor Sibanda, 33, is based at the Matetsi Safari Camp.
According to a police source, the bullet ruptured Simbarashe Ncube’s thigh, tore into the abdomen just below the chest and went out through the back.
Ncube, the sources said, had gone to the small business establishment to dine with friends before meeting his death.
A source said the ranger and his colleagues were in the company of two police officers and were on an anti-poaching operation called Lifalethu.
“The three parks rangers were following a spoor during an anti-poaching operation in Matetsi area when they passed through a tuckshop at Tiperere area and decided to take a rest,” said the source.
He said as they were resting, the ranger decided to clear his assault rifle.
“The late came and sat near the team on a stone within two metres of the rangers who were clearing their guns,” said the source.
The source said the rifle was an AK 47 (serial number ZA23875). The gun accidentally discharged in the direction of Ncube who fell to the ground and started bleeding profusely.
“Attempts to apply first aid didn’t help as Ncube died within a few minutes. The ranger was then arrested by his companions and officers from the Victoria Falls police attended the scene.”
National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority public relations manager Caroline Washaya-Moyo confirmed the incident.
“They’re still compiling the report,” she said.
Meanwhile, Sibanda of Molly Mhlanga’s homestead, Siyalwindi Village, Chief Dingani, Dete, yesterday appeared before the Victoria Falls magistrates courts facing a charge of murder.
He was not asked to plead when he briefly appeared before magistrate, Sharon Rosemani.
Sibanda, who is represented by Tonderai Mukuku of Marondedze, Mukuku and Partners Legal Practitioners, was remanded out of custody on $200 bail.
He was ordered to report at Matetsi Police Station once every two weeks as part of his bail conditions.
The state case as presented by Takunda Ndovorwi was that on January 5, 2015 and at about 12PM, Sibanda was in the company of two police officers performing anti-poaching duties.
Upon arrival at Breakfast Railway siding in the Matetsi area, at a tuckshop by the name 4By4, Sibanda sat down and decided to clear his AK47 rifle.
The court heard that the rifle released a bullet which shot and killed Simbarashe Ncube, whose age and place of residence were not provided by the court.
Ndovorwi said Ncube was shot in the stomach and right leg.
He said the shooting was witnessed by the two police officers and four other villagers who were at the scene.
Police recovered the AK47 rifle together with 22 rounds of ammunition and one spent cartridge.
Online Reporter