by Tourism Correspondent
Poaching for ivory in areas around Hwange National Park is on an upward trajectory as a result of the relation of the lockdown measures and the opening up of the economy, the Harare Post has learnt.
A contact within the Zimbabwe National Parks (ZimParks) who confided in this publication said that poaching activities were relatively low during the first quarter of the year, but have suddenly increased.
The same contact revealed that one suspected poacher, Delight Moyo (27) of Dopota village under Chief Nelukomba in Hwange was arrested last week in Mabale, Hwange, for poaching.
“One suspected poacher, Delight Moyo was apprehended last week by officers from the CID Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit together with ZimParks Rangers. Moyo, who was driving a Nissan double cab, registration number ADL 4787, was found in possession of seven elephant tusks weighing approximately 66 kgs. He had no valid permit to be in possession of the tusks and was arrested for violating Parks and Wildlife Act 20:14,” said the contact.
The contact added that Moyo’s alleged accomplice, Bekithemba Mudimba fled from the scene and was still on the run.
There are strong suspicions that Mudimba masterminded the poaching activities in Hwange and is believed to be the one who would contact ivory buyers on behalf of the poachers.
According to the contact, three elephants had been killed between January and March, this year.
“The poaching activities are increasing at an alarming pace. Between January and March this year, we have already lost three elephants in areas around Mabale and Gwayi. In 2020, only ten elephants were poached. I think Zim Parks should step up efforts in curbing poaching by deploying more Game Rangers in poaching hotspots especially around watering holes in the National Parks,” said the contact.
Analyst Gift Muradzi said the relaxation of travel restrictions also came as a curse as illegal ivory buyers are now flocking into the country thereby causing poaching activities to increase.
Muradzi said Government should employ modern technologies like deploying security drones to monitor activities in the national parks.
