THE three suspects, who were arrested last month following a heavy exchange of gunfire with police and ZimParks rangers in the Bubi Valley Conservancy, were brought to court yesterday on poaching allegations.
BY OWN CORRESPONDENT
Tatenda Melusi (30) of 5522 New Zengeza 4, Moses Moses (34) of Mahwendi Village in Muzarabani and Domonic Mazura (53) of Flora Ranch were not asked to plead and were remanded in custody to January 16.
In December last year, the suspects together with their alleged accomplice, Nhamo Kufakunesu, opened fire at game rangers in the Sangokwe area of Bubi Valley Conservancy after they were cornered. Kufakunesu was injured and taken captive, but Melusi, Moses, and Mazura fled.
The State alleges that the suspects were on a rhino poaching mission.
The three men, who were driving a Honda CVR, were eventually found by game rangers.
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A driver’s licence belonging to captured Kufakunesu was found in the car.
Further investigations revealed that Melusi has a related previous conviction and similar pending cases.
Moses is being investigated by Masvingo police under CRB1537/2016 over a poaching case.
Magistrate Godswill Mavenge presided over the matter while Misheck Guwanda prosecuted.