ZimParks Rangers Under Fire for Alleged Unarmed Poacher Killings

In a shocking revelation, two individuals suspected of poaching were killed by ZimParks rangers despite being unarmed, as reported by a survivor of the incident.

The incident, which took place in late December, involved Clever Dhliwayo, who recounted a harrowing tale of survival without firearms.

Dhliwayo, from Village 22 in Nyamakate ward 7, clarified that their hunting weapons were merely spears, axes, and dogs, not guns.

Their strategy was simple: target a buffalo with their dogs, then finish it off with spears and axes, a traditional method far removed from modern poaching techniques.

Unbeknownst to them, however, they were under surveillance by ZimParks and Akashinga rangers, who had a strategic vantage point.

The rangers ambushed the group, leading to a deadly encounter where Dhliwayo and his companions were caught off-guard and unarmed.

Dhliwayo described the moment of attack, revealing how the rangers’ gunfire left him and his friends in a state of shock.

One of his companions, Courage Maodzwa, was shot down, and Dhliwayo narrowly escaped death as bullets whizzed past his head.

Injured, Dhliwayo was unable to flee, receiving shots to both legs, which rendered him immobile and at the mercy of the rangers.

He witnessed a disturbing scene where one ranger, frustrated by his survival, attempted to execute him at close range, though he was restrained by colleagues.

After the initial attack, Dhliwayo was handcuffed, left bleeding, as the rangers searched the area, possibly executing the already fallen.

He was then tied to a tree in the bush, abandoned for two days without food, before finally being airlifted to safety.

The team of rangers included members from both ZimParks and Akashinga, with the latter’s general manager refusing to comment, citing jurisdictional issues.

ZimParks’ spokesperson, however, confirmed the incident as an armed contact, which contradicts Dhliwayo’s claims and has led to a police investigation.

This case raises serious questions about the use of force by rangers in protecting wildlife, especially when the targets are not armed with modern weapons.

The narrative from Dhliwayo paints a grim picture of the rangers’ actions, suggesting a possible overstep that might border on murder.

The community and wildlife conservation enthusiasts are watching closely as the police continue their investigation into this troubling event.

The implications of this incident could lead to a reevaluation of how anti-poaching operations are conducted in Zimbabwe’s national parks.

As the story unfolds, the balance between conservation efforts and human rights remains a delicate and debated topic within the region.

For those interested in following the developments, engaging with local news sources and community groups might provide further insights into this complex issue.