Chronicle Editor
Michelle Gwizi, Chronicle Reporter
A SUSPECTED Zambian poacher has been hospitalised after he was shot at Zambezi National Park by Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority rangers.
Batley Nkane (45) from Ngandu village in Kazungula, Zambia is facing hunting an animal without authority, possession of an unregistered firearm and entry by invasion charges.
Nkane appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Ms Adelaide Mbeure who remanded him to his hospital bed at Mpilo Central Hospital to September 18. The suspected poacher is unable to speak due to his critical condition.
Prosecuting, Mr McLean Ndlovu said the suspect was involved in a shoot-out with rangers and he was shot.
He said rangers confronted him in response to gunshots fired within the national park.
“On Sunday members of the Department of Parks and Wildlife who were on patrol at Zambezi National Park heard three gunshot sounds,” said Mr Ndlovu.
“They went on to investigate the shots and found Nkane who was armed with a loaded rifle. He fired four shots at them; in return they fired back and hit him on his left thigh.”
After he was apprehended, Nkane allegedly failed to explain why he was in the national park without authority. Mr Ndlovu said the suspect also failed to produce a fire arm certificate and valid travelling documents leading to his arrest.
The court heard the Zambian national sustained serious injuries and is still admitted in hospital. — @gwizi_n
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