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185 people arrested for poaching
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More than 185 people have been arrested for poaching in the first nine months of 2025, as the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) escalates efforts to protect the country's endangered species and natural heritage.
ZimParks acting public relations manager Mr. Tamirirashe Mudzingwa said 13 offenders have already been convicted and handed nine-year prison sentences for wildlife-related crimes.
"From January 1 to September 30, 2025, a total of 185 people were arrested, mostly outside parks estates. Of these, 13 were sentenced to nine years and above, while 81 received sentences below nine years," said Mr. Mudzingwa.
He said most of the arrests occurred in communities bordering protected estates, where poachers continue to target high-value species such as elephants, rhinos, pangolins, and rare reptiles.
"Efforts to curb poaching include increased covert and overt patrols, lobbying for deterrent sentences through stakeholder collaboration, and community involvement through awareness and livelihood projects," he added.
Poaching hotspots remain concentrated in provinces like Mashonaland West, Matabeleland North, and Masvingo - key regions for wildlife conservation.
Despite intensified enforcement, conservationists have voiced concern over lenient sentences in some cases, arguing that they fail to deter repeat offenders and organised poaching syndicates.
Authorities have also expressed worry over reports of collusion between some wildlife rangers and poachers, warning that corruption and the use of minimal force during arrests threaten conservation progress.
Mr. Mudzingwa said ZimParks continues to emphasise community engagement and empowerment as long-term strategies for wildlife protection.
"The authority continues to emphasise community engagement and empowerment as key to reducing reliance on poaching and ensuring the long-term protection of wildlife," he said.
Stakeholders have since called for a multi-pronged approach combining strong law enforcement, judicial reforms, and sustainable development initiatives in local communities to safeguard Zimbabwe's wildlife for future generations.
ZimParks acting public relations manager Mr. Tamirirashe Mudzingwa said 13 offenders have already been convicted and handed nine-year prison sentences for wildlife-related crimes.
"From January 1 to September 30, 2025, a total of 185 people were arrested, mostly outside parks estates. Of these, 13 were sentenced to nine years and above, while 81 received sentences below nine years," said Mr. Mudzingwa.
He said most of the arrests occurred in communities bordering protected estates, where poachers continue to target high-value species such as elephants, rhinos, pangolins, and rare reptiles.
"Efforts to curb poaching include increased covert and overt patrols, lobbying for deterrent sentences through stakeholder collaboration, and community involvement through awareness and livelihood projects," he added.
Despite intensified enforcement, conservationists have voiced concern over lenient sentences in some cases, arguing that they fail to deter repeat offenders and organised poaching syndicates.
Authorities have also expressed worry over reports of collusion between some wildlife rangers and poachers, warning that corruption and the use of minimal force during arrests threaten conservation progress.
Mr. Mudzingwa said ZimParks continues to emphasise community engagement and empowerment as long-term strategies for wildlife protection.
"The authority continues to emphasise community engagement and empowerment as key to reducing reliance on poaching and ensuring the long-term protection of wildlife," he said.
Stakeholders have since called for a multi-pronged approach combining strong law enforcement, judicial reforms, and sustainable development initiatives in local communities to safeguard Zimbabwe's wildlife for future generations.
Source - Sunday Mail
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