The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
A ZimParks game ranger stationed in Middle Sabi was on Tuesday dragged to court as he is accused of killing a black rhino worth US$120 000 in Chipinge Safari.
Johane Guzha of Chipinge Safari Cottage appeared before Chipinge regional magistrate, Mr Noel Mupeiwa, accused of contravening Section 45 of the Parks and Wildlife act.
He was not asked to plead to the charge and was remanded in custody to January 31.
Prosecuting, Mr Timothy Katsande said on October 12 last year, ZimParks officer-in-charge for Chipinge Safari, Mr Victor Mukwebu received communication from a ranger that a male black rhino had been killed along Chindemayi River in Chipinge Safari.
“Mukwebu reacted to the information and advised his investigations team at Birchenough Bridge as well as the Criminal Investigations Department’s Minerals, Fauna and Flora Unit, who attended the scene.
“Upon arrival at the scene, they discovered that a male black rhino which was almost seven years old had been killed and the ivory dehorned.
“The carcass was in an advanced state of decomposition,” said Mr Katsande.
He said the investigations team made some checks along the river and discovered a blood trail. They followed the trail for about 2,5 km.
“Searches were made and no spent cartridges were found. The following day, the game rangers who were on patrol recovered a spent cartridge case.
“On January 11, the investigation officer was advised by police details from CID in Chiredzi that they had arrested Guzha at his place of residence after they had received information that the accused person was the one who had killed the rhino,” said Mr Katsande.
