Source: Three suspected poachers arrested in Kyle Recreational Park anti-poaching blitz – herald
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Republic Police Criminal Investigations Department – Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit (CID MFFU), has arrested three suspected poachers following a coordinated anti-poaching operation conducted in the Kyle Recreational Park area on November 5, 2025.
Confirming the arrests, acting ZimParks public relations manager Mr Tamirirashe Mudzingwa, said the operation was launched after authorities received a tip-off on illegal hunting activities in the park.
“Acting on a tip-off, a ZimParks reaction team was swiftly deployed to the Popoteke area where they intercepted three poachers who were exiting the park with hunting dogs,” he said.
“One suspect was apprehended on the spot while four dogs were neutralised during the confrontation.”
The other two suspects fled the scene but were later captured in the Sanangwe area during a joint follow-up operation between ZimParks and CID MFFU officers.
Mr Mudzingwa said searches conducted at one of the suspects’ homes led to the recovery of a pangolin trophy, fresh zebra meat (full carcass), wildebeast skin, buffalo skin, three spotlights, two axes and one knife believed to have been used in poaching activities.
He said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were habitual poachers linked to several illegal hunting incidents that have caused significant ecological damage in the Pioneer, Nhoro Bay and Popoteke areas within Kyle Recreational Park.
The trio is currently in custody at ZRP CID MFFU Masvingo and investigations are continuing.
Mr Mudzingwa praised the swift reaction by ZimParks rangers and the effective coordination with law enforcement agencies and described the arrests as a major success in the ongoing fight against wildlife crime.
“ZimParks reiterates its zero tolerance toward poaching and all forms of wildlife crime and calls upon the public to continue providing information that can assist in protecting Zimbabwe’s rich biodiversity,” he said.
Kyle Recreational Park, one of Zimbabwe’s prime conservation areas, has faced increasing pressure from poachers targeting protected species, prompting intensified joint patrols between ZimParks and security agencies to curb illegal wildlife activities.
The post Three suspected poachers arrested in Kyle Recreational Park anti-poaching blitz appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.