ZRP cop caught poaching rhino with cyanide

Takudwa  Siduna

Masvingo High Court Judge, Justice Joseph Martin Mafusire has granted a cop with the Zimbabwe Republic Police $500 bail after he was found with cyanide granules inside Chishakwe Wildlife Conservancy in Sabi Valley.

It is suspected that Munashe Chindeka who is deployed at Chiadzwa was on a mission to poison rhinos in the conservancy for their ivory.

Justice Mafusire heard the case two weeks ago.

It is the State case that the accused was arrested with a wrapped plastic bag containing cyanide granules.

The State alleges that on December 13, 2016, Chindeka together with two accomplices whose names are not known, were spotted in Chishakwe Wildlife Conservancy by members of the Minerals and Border Control Unit (MBCU) and details from ZRP Support Unit who were patrolling the area.

The security personnel ordered Chindeka and crew to lie down but the trio took to their heels prompting the MBCU squad to fire warning shots to stop the fleeing gang.

Chindeka was encircled and arrested while his accomplices outpaced the security details leaving behind machettes and some oranges which were recovered by the chasing crew.

Chindeka had unlawfully entered the conservancy and did not have clearance to be in possession of cyanide.
Batanai Matose prosecuted.