Poacher shot by rangers

A suspected poacher was  gunned down by Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority rangers who were patrolling in the Mukanga Game area in Mana Pools which led to the recovery of a pair of elephant tusks.

Mashonaland West provincial police spokesperson Inspector Clemence Mabgweazara confirmed the incident saying the deceased who is yet to be identified was in the company of his two colleagues who are still at large.

"We received a report following the death of an unidentified poacher who was on Sunday gunned down by rangers who were on patrol at Mukanga Game area.

"The deacesed was in the company of his two colleagues who escaped after the rangers opened fire on them. Investigations are in progress," Insp Mabgweazara said.

It is alleged that on the fateful day at around mid day a team of three rangers was conducting a patrol along Maura River in Mukanga area when they heard a gun shot from the other side of the park which prompted them to rush to the scene and investigate.

Upon arrival at the scene it is reported that they encountered three poachers armed with a rifle and one of them carrying a dead impala.

According to police reports the rangers opened fire towards the poachers and shot one of them who died on the spot whilst the other two escaped.

The rangers conducted a search at that area and recovered a pair of elephant tusks and an axe.

The matter was reported at Chirundu police and the scene was attended by Chirundu CID and Border Control Unit.

The body was ferried to Karoi Hospital mortuary for post-mortem.

Insp Mabgweazara said police would keep on supporting Government by ensuring that the country's natural resources and wildlife are preseved.