ZimConservation

HARARE – A group of Zimbabwean fishermen have written to President Robert Mugabe to intervene to stop soldiers from beating them and stealing their fish, in a bizarre case that highlights how members of security forces have become rogues that regularly terrorise civilians. In a letter to Mugabe, who is Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, the fishermen based at Darwendale Dam, 60 kilometres south-west of Harare, said they appealed to the President after the latest attack last Thursday, when soldiers raided a fishing cooperative, beat up fishermen, stole their property and burnt their fishing nets. Read more: http://www.zimonline.co.za/Article.aspx?ArticleId=6223

The Greater Mapungubwe (formerly Limpopo-Shashe) Transfrontier Conservation Area is a vast and hauntingly beautiful site containing evidence of an ancient African civilisation, dinosaur remains and Stone Age and Iron Age archaeological sites. Home to the largest elephant population on privately owned land in Africa, the Greater Mapungubwe TFCA is situated at the convergence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers and borders Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Read more: http://www.tradeinvestafrica.com/investment_opportunities/220972.htm

The deal to export wildlife to North Korea has been called off in a move described as good news for Zimbabwe by wild life conservationists. Efforts are now underway to urgently raise 18 000 Pounds for funding the immediate release of most of the wild-caught animals and the care for the two young elephants. “Although the cancellation of this deal was in no way dependent upon us raising funds for the fire-breaks, we have also indicated our willingness, subject to the statement of reassurance mentioned above, to support National Parks on this specific issue – as many thousands of wild animals could be affected by devastating fires in Hwange if these fire-breaks are not maintained,” said a spokesperson for Tikki Hywood Trust. Read more: http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32538:good-news-for-zimbabwes-wildlife&catid=32&Itemid=34

Pretoria – Hunting rifles stolen in South Africa are being fitted with silencers and allegedly smuggled into Zimbabwe by a Musina hunter to be used in poaching rhino. A Beeld investigation reveals that ruthless South African hunters and safari-operators are plundering Zimbabwe’s wildlife stocks and making a killing from illegal hunting and the trade in rhino horn. Read more: http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Musina-Mafia-arming-poachers-20100708