Poacher sold out by trail of blood

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Zim Now Writer

A trail of blood was all that trackers needed to apprehend a poacher who was later given a two-year jail term by Chipinge Magistrate Alfred Chinembiri for unlawfull hunting and possession of a firearm without a licence.

The man, Mwari Mapakame, 40, had six months of the sentence suspended on condition of good behaviour, leaving him with an effective 18 months jail term.

A team of rangers in the safari area, with the help of the ZRP Support Unit, CID details from the Minerals Flora and Fauna Unit in Chipinge and members from the Save Valley Anti-Poaching Tracking followed a trail of blood which eventually led them to Mapakame.

He was in possession of bushbuck and grysbok carcases as well as a python skin.

Mapakame was also fined $30 000 for illegally possessing a firearm, while six months were wholly suspended for possessing a python skin.

Detective Sergeant Shake Shanu, the Manicaland CID spokesperson confirmed the arrest saying,

“A game ranger, Simbarashe Makumire, was on patrol at Kilo Base with fellow game rangers when they heard three gunshots within their area of jurisdiction.

“They quickly alerted Mr Dudzai Manyawo of Chipinge Safari Staff Quarters who mobilised manpower to man all potential exit points of the suspected armed poachers.

“Mr Manyawo also enlisted the services of Changadzi Support Unit details who were on patrol in the area and also Save Valley Anti-Poaching Tracking Specialists to assist with tracker dogs.

CID details from the Minerals Flora and Fauna Unit in Chipinge and police officers from Changadzi Support Unit discovered a trail of blood near Kilo Base, subsequently leading them to the suspect.”