Published: February 19, 2012
Despite a statement by a government minister to protect the Chiredzi River Conservancy(CRC), a protectorate for animal and plant life, ZANU PF backed invaders have defied all warnings and this week moved in to demarcate land for resettlement assisted by national Parks staff members.
…what is left of the three elephants
On Thursday night three elephants were arbitrarily shot by National Parks staff from Chipinda Pools, just as invaders moved in to collect the animal remains for meat, witnesses said. The three elephants which included two lactating cows and one young bull, believed to be 5 years old, were within the CRC boundaries on the Wasara Ranch section.
“All adult cows have young calves at foot and some are heavily pregnant. No one within the CRC was notified of the intended shootings. Tusks were taken by NP all meat,” a conservationist told ZimEye.
The Chiredzi River Conservancy has reportedly lost 7 elephants in the last 35 days: four from poaching, while others were killed by National Parks staff.
The National parks staff members were seen leaving the area using the invaders’ vehicles.
The National Parks staff together with the invaders have ignored a government directive issued in the state owned media earlier in the week. Oscro and Ruware Ranches may soon be permanent resettlement areas and it is estimated that about half of the herd of the more than 70 elephants have now been butchered in CRC. The remaining elephants are being severely hassled by poachers and their dogs, being chased away from watering points.
Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi issued a statement earlier in the week amid reports that some politicians were behind the invasions of the country’s tourism facilities.
Minister Mzembi blasted such individuals. “Nobody is above the law. If they are any politicians behind (the invasions), I urge the public to expose them,” he said.
Conservancies are not farm lands and are protected by law since they are areas designated to preserve the plants, animals, and natural communities that represent the diversity of life and their scarce lands and waters are needed to ensure the survival of the animals and plants.
Envicronment Minister Francis Nhema was reported to be furious about the shootings.
Below are photos of the butchering of CRC elephants by National Parks staff, The photos reveal what is left of the three elephants.