ZimParks Ranger Arrested for Allegedly Poaching And Beheading Three Lions At Hwange National Park Worth US$60k

A ZimParks ranger, Hali Mabuya, has been arrested for allegedly poaching and beheading three lions in Hwange National Park.

The lions were found decapitated and missing their paws last week, sparking outrage and prompting a swift investigation. The value of the slain lions is estimated at US$60,000. Authorities suspect the poaching incident may be part of a larger syndicate involving rangers.

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ZimParks Ranger Arrested for Poaching Three Lions At Hwange National Park

The Chronicle reported that 39-year-old Hali Mabuya, stationed at Mtshibi Camp in Hwange, had a .458 service rifle believed to be used in the poaching. He also had 52 rounds of ammunition, 30 of which had not been issued by ZimParks.

The investigation revealed that Mabuya had used the service rifle to kill one collared gestating lioness, another female lioness, and a male lion between Monday and Tuesday last week. The carcasses, discovered near the Dom Pan waterhole, showed gunshot wounds on their shoulders. Tire marks and footprints at the scene hinted at a possible poaching syndicate.

ZimParks Ranger Poaching Lions — *ZimParks Ranger Arrested for Allegedly Poaching And Beheading Three Lions At Hwange National Park Worth US$60k [Image: X]*

Prosecutor Jemesina Makanza said:

“On 22 October at 9 am, the accused approached his workmate who works at the armoury and asked her to change the dates when he returned the rifle, which had been issued on 20 August. The request prompted some investigations leading to the recovery of the carcasses with bullet wounds.”

Further searches led to the discovery of eight rounds of .458 ammunition in Mabuya’s satchel, along with 15 more rounds of .458, nine rounds of .416, 11 rounds of .373, one round of .308, one round of a Gragnoff rifle, one round of .223, and 12 by 7 bore. In total, 52 live rounds were recovered, raising suspicions of a long-standing poaching operation.

How Mabuya Was Caught

Mabuya was linked to the offence after he asked a colleague in the armoury to alter the dates he had signed for and returned the .458 rifle. Ballistic tests matched a bullet head found at the scene to the rifle recovered from Mabuya.

Appearing before Hwange magistrate Fungai Dzimbiri, Mabuya faced charges of unlawful hunting and possession of ammunition without a firearm certificate. RHe was remanded in custody until November 1.

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