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Project update
- January 2007
 Arguably
the most significant event to take place in the struggle against
the relentless tide of poaching since we set up the first professional
anti poaching unit in 2001, occurred this month. It was named
"Operation Bush Buck".
A very important aspect of our committed
anti poaching effort is the development of relationships with
the local authorities such as Police, National Parks and Forestry
Commission. Martin Stiemer has been at the forefront of this,
with his professional background proving invaluable once again.
He has worked closely with our Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) Supervisor,
Sikhosana Sibanda, stressing the importance of building and maintaining
such relationships. Sikhosana has listened well. He has liaised
with these authorities over the years, on many occasions talking
about the frustration of arresting the same poachers time and
again.
Operation Bush Buck was born out of these
numerous discussions.
On January 11th I received a letter from
the Officer in Charge of Dete Police Station, outlining the operation
and seeking our support. I instructed Sikhosana to attend the
briefing, which was conducted on January 17th. The Officer in
Charge placed a very strong emphasis on the need for secrecy.
On January 18th Sikhosana, accompanied the
Officer in Charge, the Warden from Main Camp and the Supervisor
from the Forestry Commission station in Dete. Their aim was to
survey the targeted villages of Magoli, Mambanje, Chezhou, Chentali,
Marist and Nyagara. These villages border Hwange National Park
on one side and Forestry Commission land on the other. Over the
years, we have arrested more poachers from these villages than
any others. It was certainly time to "up the anti".
 At
2am on January 19th, a combination of Police, National Parks Scouts,
Forestry Commission and our APU met at the Dete Police Station
and were divided into two teams of 26, before they headed for
the targeted villages. Like a scene from a Hollywood movie, the
teams struck at first light, catching the poachers by surprise.
With little, if any, struggle an impressive haul was recovered.
A total of 54 people were arrested. Of these, 38 people were charged
with poaching related offences. They received penalties ranging
from 35 hours community service to 2 years in prison.
Such an action is a considerable step towards
dealing with the menace of poaching. The Officer in Charge, Dete,
has pledged that he will carry out similar raids in other regions
in the same manner, with utter secrecy and the necessary manpower
to make the exercise a success. This action is greatly appreciated
and comes at a time when we are under so much pressure as we remain
the only professionally run anti poaching unit in the region,
with other initiatives, though well meaning, having come and gone.
With appropriate committed support we would increase our APU effort,
recognising that it is the only solution to tackling the immediate
threat from poachers to the region's wildlife. Education and development
programmes are essential for long term change. However they need
time to work and without a concerted, professional anti poaching
effort, we will run out of time.
Our thanks and sincerest appreciation goes
out to the Officer in Charge, Dete, The Warden at Hwange Main
Camp and the Supervisor at Forestry Commission in Dete for their
help. Above all, we would like to express our gratitude to the
organisations and individuals alike, who continue with their committed
support of our anti poaching efforts.
Every little contribution helps wildlife
and remember 100% of your donation will go in full to the project - thank you!
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photo credits: all photos Peter Blinston
of PDC
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