Two poachers were early yesterday killed during a shoot-out with Parks rangers at Bubye Conservancy some 60km west of Beitbridge town.

It is reported the two, who were armed with a rifle and an axe, came into contact with National Parks rangers that were tracking a rhino.

National Parks spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo described the incident as unfortunate.

“They were found poaching in the area by our officers and upon being ordered to surrender they fired at the rangers.

“There was an exchange of gunfire and unfortunately they were shot and killed. It is unfortunate that two lives have been lost, but our officers had no option when their lives were in danger,” he said.

Mr Farawo said National Parks authorities had adopted zero tolerance to poaching.
He warned people against poaching in national parks as they risked prosecution.

Mr Farawo said they will continue to investigate the matter. The incident comes a few weeks after one Mozambican poacher was killed in the same area during a shoot-out.

Incidents of rhino poaching are rampant at Bubye Valley Conservancy commonly known as Mazunga Ranch.
More than six people, among them a parks ranger, have died during shoot-outs in the wildlife sanctuary.State media