
The Chronicle was told that there was an exchange of
gunfire during the dramatic arrest on Thursday night at Mpofu’s house.
Neighbours said they heard gunshots and feared there could
have been casualties. It could not be established whether the trio fired at the
police or tried to resist arrest. They
are expected to appear in court this morning.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul
Nyathi confirmed the arrest of Mpofu (42) Milton Sibindi (47) and Phathiso
Sibanda (49).
The trio was arrested after an anti-poaching team
comprising police Criminal Investigation Department and Support Unit and
rangers from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority reacted to a
tip-off from an informer.
“Yes, I can confirm the arrest but details of the case will
be availed in due course,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
Mpofu of 5449 Mkhosana, Sibindi who resides at number 5889
and Sibanda of 6244 in the same suburb are expected to be charged with illegal
possession of raw elephant ivory.
“On Thursday evening, information was received that the
trio was in possession of raw ivory. The anti-poaching team reacted to the
tip-off and proceeded to Mkhosana turn-off to meet the informer who led the
team to Mpofu’s house in Mkhosana,” said a source.
The anti-poaching team followed at a distance and parked
away from the house waiting for a signal from the informer. After raiding the
house, they recovered nine ivory tusks. Some were recovered in Mpofu’s bedroom
following a search. Also recovered, said the source, was a licensed pistol
loaded with three rounds of ammunition. The tusks were taken to the police
where they were expected to be weighed and valued.
ZimParks national spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo yesterday
said: “He (Mpofu) was found in possession of 11 pieces of ivory weighing about
120kgs. He is assisting the police with investigations and is expected to
appear in court soon. We have managed to recover a pistol from the incident
scene and we are warning poachers and the public that if they attempt to shoot
at rangers they will be shot. We will fight fire with fire,” said Mr Farawo.
He said there was no official value for the discovered
ivory as it is sold in the black market due to an international ban in ivory
trade. Herald
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