10 more arrested for cyanide poisoning, poaching November 16, 2013 Crime & Courts Herald Reporters FIVE more people believed to be involved in the cyanide poisoning of 10 elephants in Ngamo Safaris in Lupane have been arrested while five others were arrested for poaching game at the University of Zimbabwe farm in Harare this week. This brings to 22 the number of people who have been arrested following the deaths of about 100 elephants in Hwange National Park in August this year. The five suspects, William Ncube, Elvis Nkomo, Sikhumbuzo Sibindi, Johannes Mukombwe (29) and Mkhululi Ncube (36) all from Lupane were arrested by police, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and Forestry Commission officers in a joint operation to crack down on poachers. They were arrested between November 11 and 14 and are expected to appear in court soon facing charges of contravening the Environment Management Act and the Parks and Wildlife Act. Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority public relations manager Ms Caroline Washaya-Moyo said Ncube (William) was reported to be both a buyer and supplier of cyanide and three 3kg of cyanide were recovered from him. “He admitted to having poisoned two elephants in the Forestry area, led investigators for indications and showed them three 20-litre containers which he used as bait for the elephants. Ms Washaya-Moyo said Ncube (William) admitted to setting the baits in the company of Nkomo and Sibindi. He further admitted to buying ivory from Ncube (Mkhululi) and Mukombwe. It is alleged that William sells the ivory to a Zimbabwean called Tshuma who is based in South Africa. National police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi said they also recovered 8kg of cyanide which were hidden underground at William’s homestead. He said they received a tip off on November 10 and conducted inquiries which revealed that the two accused persons were illegally dealing in cyanide and usually frequent Ngamo Safaris in Lupane. He said further investigations revealed that the suspects had sprinkled buckets of cyanide contaminated water on five spots in Ngamo Safaris. Meanwhile, five Harare men who had terrorised the UZ farm hunting game such as duikers have been arrested. Simon Paiwa (42), Jairos Mapakami (43), David Nyakumbi, Prosper Dungirwa (19), Chengetai Chitsve (32) appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Donald Ndirowei charged with poaching and illegal possession of a firearm or ammunition. Mr Ndirowei released Dungirwa on his own cognisance because he is a student while others were remanded in custody to November 28. It is alleged that on November 1 and at the UZ farm, the five hunted without authority from the farm owner. The court was told that they attempted to kill one Gladys Jaji when they fired one shot towards her when they met in the bush. Upon their arrest, the five were found in possession of a 9mm star pistol, Beretta shotgun, knife and four duikers. Mr Tungamirai Chakurira prosecuted.
Posted on: Wed, 20 Nov 2013 08:26:08 +0000
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