Katavi police hold four suspected poachers

 
 Police in Katavi Region are holding four people suspected of being poachers who allegedly killed an elephant and removed its tusks estimated at 32m/-.

 

Regional Police Commander Dhahiri Kidavashari named the suspects as Frank Koroneli (25), Sedekia Shadrack (38), Adela Alex (23) and Moris Ezron (34) all residents of Nduwi Village in the Katumba refugees camp in Katavi Region.

 

The police commander said the arrest of the suspects was due to the confidential information from the good citizens who told the police that the men are involved in poaching.

 

After such information the police who were on patrol prepared a trap and snatched the suspects. After intense interrogation they revealed their involvement in such acts in the Katavi National Park.

 

He said the suspects led the police to a bush where they had hidden the government trophies. They then showed the police the spot where the law enforcers found three pieces of elephant tusks weighing 11 kilogrammes worth 32,530,650 /-, an equivalent of one elephant’s ivory. The police commander said the suspects were detained and would appear in court anytime once the investigations are completed.

 

In addition, many of the refugees living in Katumba settlements and Mishamo who live near the park have been involved in poaching activities and possess illegal weapons that are used in the poaching activities.