Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) Arrest 18 Poachers

THE Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) has apprehended 18 suspected poachers in Lunga Luswishi Game Management area with assorted carcasses of game meat and assorted firearms.

ZAWA also impounded a Canter truck, registration number ACR 3532, that was found loaded with carcasses of game meat as well as eight rifles and six shotguns.

The suspects were apprehended during ZAWA patrols yesterday around 04:00 hours.

The carcasses were of dykers, kudus, baboons, porcupines and guineafowls and sitatunga.

Lunga Luswishi Game Management Area borders Solwezi, Lufyanyama, Kasempa and part of Mumbwa districts.

After a search of the suspects' bags, it was discovered that they had more than 100 rounds of ammunition, knives, head lamps and other accessories used during poaching.

The suspects were also found with mealie meal and salt which they use when they camp in the park.

Some vinegar used for drying the animals was also found.

ZAWA Kalulushi ranger Lewis Daka, who was found examining the carcasses to determine the value, said the suspects were ambushed as they slept at a camp they had set up in the park.

He said the suspects were likely to be charged with unlawful possession of firearms and Government trophy.
STANSLOUS NGOSA, 27 OCTOBER 2012

Thanks for forwarding this article. Shows there is some hope.

Good to see them still trying.
Our ZAWA guys are severely understaffed and underfunded.
They do the best they can with the little resources they have.
We have a non profit called Conservation Lake Tanganyika and help out up in the Northern Province. The help we have given with simple things such as food and vehicle services have helped tremendously. Its a pity more hunters here dont help out and support ZAWA.
Lets hope this continues...