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Elizabeth Tsuro, Midlands Reporter
SIX poachers, including two former Parks and Wildlife Management Authority rangers, were allegedly found in possession of five elephant tusks valued at $9,250.

Former rangers, Bakani Khumalo, 32, and Givemore Makosa, 32,and their accomplices Mududusi Ndlovu, 34, Sipho Mafu, 58, all from Bulawayo, Life Shoko, 26, from Chiredzi and Forward Zvinavashe , 41, from Harare, appeared before Gweru Magistrate Musaiona

Shotgame facing two counts of illegal hunting and being found in possession of specially protected materials.

They all pleaded not guilty and were remanded in custody to March 17 for trial.

Prosecuting, Lloyd Mavhisa told the court that on November 7 last year, the six connived to hunt elephants in Mambo bushy area along Inyathi-Shangani road.

“Zvinavashe gave the other five accused persons a point 375 rifle and a Subaru vehicle so that they could hunt elephants and in return they would supply him with elephant tusks,” he said.

“They proceeded to Mambo bushy area where they then shot and killed three male elephants and dehorned them using an axe and carried the tusks to the car.”

The prosecutor said Khumalo drove to Harare with the tusks intending to deliver them to Zvinavashe.

The court heard villagers, Langton Mpofu and Never Mdeda who heard gun shots, reported to the police.

Investigators recovered an elephant tusk and a spent 375 cartridge.

“On the following day at around 12PM, a tipoff was made at Kwekwe C.I.D to the effect that the six were acting suspiciously on the road,” Mavhisa said.

Detective Assistant Inspector Dale and other two constables found the accused persons parked at Petro Trade Service Station in Kwekwe attending to their vehicle which had a tyre puncture.

The court heard they were searched and found in possession of five elephant tusks and an axe.

All tusks are valued at $9,250 were recovered.