Senior Civil servant nabbed for poaching

A senior civil servant was last week arrested  for poaching after being found in possession of  zebra meat at a road block along Harare-Mukumbura road.


Emmanuel Chicheko (65) who is the Director of Construction and Mantainance under the Ministry of Local government and Public works and  Abiot Magore (34) of Midzi village under Chief Negomo in Chiweshe were nabbed   for contravening the  Parks and Wild Life Act.

According to Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe police, Chicheko tried to avoid a road block by forcing his way through police barricades leading to the vehicle being stuck after hitting a drum.

Magore managed to escape from the scene and  a search was conducted leading to the discovery of two  zebra carcasses,  a licensed firearm and a magazine with 5 rounds.

However, Chicheko denied responsibility of the said items and attributed them to   Magore who is still at large.

He further claimed that they were given the meat by unknown poachers in Matepatepa General area.

Chicheko was eventually arrested and appeared before Bindura provincial magistrate Mr Toendepi Zhou on 11 September 2023 who found him guilty and fined him USD$450 or 4 and half months in prison.