2 Ex-Rangers In Court Over Ivory Poaching

Two ex-game rangers of Zimbabwe’s National Parks have appeared in court on charges of poaching and the illegal trade of ivory.

The two men, who were formerly employed by Zimbabwe’s state parks, were charged with illegal possession of five elephant tusks that are said to be valued at around $10 000.

The elephant tusks were found in the accused men’s car. The men have been identified by various news outlets as  Bakani Khumalo and Givemore Makosa.

It is also believed that they had four accomplices working with them, who have also appeared in court.

However, the two ex-park rangers Makosa and Khumalo, will remain in custody until the start of their hearing which is set to commence on the 17th of March.

Last year saw an incredible influx in elephant deaths in Zimbabwe. By November 2015, more than 60 elephants had been poisoned and killed and their tusks removed for the illegal ivory trade.

It is believed that many park rangers are involved in the illegal poaching and trading of elephant tusks. Because of the high price tag associated with the ivory, many poverty stricken rangers have turned to the illegal ivory trade to make money.

However, magistrates and other Zimbabwean authorities along with various animal activists are clamping down hard on the illegal poaching in and around Zimbabwe.

Since the poisoning – by means of cyanide – to the 60+ elephants in the Hwange National Park, security around the park has been beefed up tremendously and elephant killings have been on the decline.