GOKWE — Four game rangers employed by Big Game Trophy Safaris in Gokwe North last month shot and killed a suspected fish poacher at close range while on patrol along Ume River.
STAFF REPORTER
Gokwe resident magistrate Shepard Mjanja was told this on Monday when the four game rangers, Themba Kanotowa (43) of Mugeresi village, Willard Shiridzinodya (22) of Butawu village, Tavengwa Makoshore (32) and Ranandah Ngwenya (22) both of Koliwe village appeared before him facing a murder charge.
They were not asked to plead to the charge and were remanded in custody to November 19. Mjanja advised them to apply to the High Court for bail. The court heard that sometime last month, the four rangers were on patrol within the Big Game Trophy Safari area along Ume River armed with fire arms.
They reportedly heard voices of people who were allegedly poaching fish along the river and confronted them, but they are said to have fled.
It is the state case that the four security guards opened fire and gunned down Lameck Mafuti just above the right eye, killing him on the spot. A report was made to the police leading to the arrest of the four.
