News / National
Two elephants found dead, dehorned in Hwange National Park
28 Aug 2013 at 21:55hrs | Views
POLICE in Matabeleland North Province are investigating a suspected case of poaching after game rangers at Hwange National Park recently found carcasses of two adult elephants.
The elephants, which were found dehorned, are reportedly worth $20 000.
Confirming the incident yesterday, police provincial spokesperson Assistant Inspector Siphiwe Makonese said they received a report of the incident.
"On 17 August at about 5pm Hwange National Park personnel led by Mr William Mleya of Dete Main Camp who were on patrol found carcasses of the elephants.
"We suspect the elephants were killed by poachers because their horns had been removed," said Asst Insp Makonese.
She said the two elephants were found in a state of decomposition.
The exact date of the killing is not known but it is believed the illegal activity occurred in August.
"A report was made at Pumula Police Base in Tsholotsho and our officers attended the scene.
"The culprits are still at large and investigations are in progress," said Asst Insp Makonese.
She appealed to members of the public, especially people who live near the game parks to assist the police and game rangers in identifying poachers.
The problem of elephant poaching is not only confined to Hwange National Park.
During the first half of this year two cases of elephant poaching were recorded in Matabeleland South Province, a decrease by 20 percent compared to 10 cases reported in 2012 in the province.
Poaching is still a major problem in the country posing a threat to the tourism sector that thrives on attracting visitors who want to see the wildlife.
The elephants, which were found dehorned, are reportedly worth $20 000.
Confirming the incident yesterday, police provincial spokesperson Assistant Inspector Siphiwe Makonese said they received a report of the incident.
"On 17 August at about 5pm Hwange National Park personnel led by Mr William Mleya of Dete Main Camp who were on patrol found carcasses of the elephants.
"We suspect the elephants were killed by poachers because their horns had been removed," said Asst Insp Makonese.
She said the two elephants were found in a state of decomposition.
"A report was made at Pumula Police Base in Tsholotsho and our officers attended the scene.
"The culprits are still at large and investigations are in progress," said Asst Insp Makonese.
She appealed to members of the public, especially people who live near the game parks to assist the police and game rangers in identifying poachers.
The problem of elephant poaching is not only confined to Hwange National Park.
During the first half of this year two cases of elephant poaching were recorded in Matabeleland South Province, a decrease by 20 percent compared to 10 cases reported in 2012 in the province.
Poaching is still a major problem in the country posing a threat to the tourism sector that thrives on attracting visitors who want to see the wildlife.
Source - Chronicle
