Three rhino poachers killed in Zimbabwe
http://www.monstersandcritics.com
Sep 15, 2011, 12:31 GMT
Harare – Game rangers in Zimbabwe killed three rhino poachers in an exchange
of fire in the country’s south-east, official media reported Thursday.
The three were part of a group of poachers who resisted arrest after being
confronted by rangers in the Chipangayi Safari Area early Tuesday, said the
Herald newspaper. Two other poachers were arrested while a sixth got away,
it added.
A rifle, ammunition, knives, cellphones and a vehicle were also seized in
the raid.
National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority Spokeswoman Caroline
Washaya-Moyo told the paper that the poachers had been under surveillance
and rangers were tipped off by an informant that the gang wanted to ‘enter
the Chipangayi Safari area for the purposes of poaching rhinos.’
Zimbabwe is battling to conserve its dwindling population of black and white
rhinos. At least 14 have been killed so far this year.
Earlier this month a magistrate in the southern town of Masvingo sentenced
two rhino poachers from neighbouring Mozambique to 21 years each in jail.