Slider
36 armed poachers caught in Zimbabwe’s parks in 2022
BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) arrested 36 armed poachers inside the country’s national parks last year as the number of endangered rhinos killed for their horns rose sharply.
Zimbabwe records a high number of poaching cases every year with animals such as elephants and rhinos targeted for their horns, which are in demand in Asian countries.
Some of the poachers are said to be from neighbouring countries such as Zambia.
Zimparks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo said the arrested poachers targeted endangered species such as rhinos and elephants for their horns and lions for their skin and teeth.
“Year 2022 saw 36 armed poachers being arrested as they were targeting some endangered species inside our protected areas for commercial purposes,” Farawo told The Standard in an interview.
“As a result 36 of our elephants were either shot or poisoned.
“We also recorded a total of 11 rhinos being poached where six of them were white rhinos and five being the black ones.”
Farawo said four rhinos were poached inside the Matobo National Park in Matabeleand South while the other four were poached at Save Valley Conservancy in the lowveld.
The Save Conservancy is one of the largest private game reserves in Africa, covering 750 000 acres of diverse wildlife habitat.
Rhinos are poached for the keratin in their horns — a protective protein that makes up hair, nails and skins.
In Asia where the horns are mainly exported due to high demand, the protein is believed to have medicinal properties.
Dambari Wildlife Trust (DWT), a non-profit organisation that has been assisting Zimbabwe on its rhino conservation efforts in two western intensive protection zones covering the Matobo and Hwange game reserves, said the number of rhinos poached last year was higher than those poached in the past eight years combined.
A 2019 study by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) showed that elephant ivory and rhino horns carry cultural significance and are used for traditional purposes, mainly in the Asian countries.
“Ivory is a status symbol,” the WWF study revealed.
“It’s a luxury product that people use to flaunt their wealth.”
Nicky Pegg, a DWT researcher, attributed the spike in rhino poaching cases to the easing of Covid-19 lockdowns in Zimbabwe and the reopening of the country’s borders.
Farawo said seven of the elephants killed last year were from the Ngamo Safari area, seven in Kadombora, two in the Sinamatela area, Hwange Safari and Matetsi, all in the northwest corner of Zimbabwe and Save Valley Conservancy.
“In the year under review our rangers encountered eight armed contacts and after the battles they managed to recover 25 rifles, 174 ammunition and they also recovered 123 elephant tusks and three for rhinos,” Farawo said.”
Pieces of raw ivory and a gun recovered from suspected poachers in Kamativi
“Further, 5 530 shovels were recovered and we also destroyed 167 illegally pitched tents belonging to the poachers.”
Farawo said the poaching cases had, however, declined compared to 2021 and this was due to intensified patrolling and surveillance inside the parks.
“We invest significantly in our law enforcement in a key drive to protect our wildlife, most of which are key species vulnerable to poachers such as the elephants, lions and rhinos across all our protected areas,” he said.
“We have seen a decrease in poaching compared to the previous year where we lost 42 key species and in 2022, that number was reduced by six.
“This became a success following our increased intensive patrols inside the national parks where we have 90% of our rangers camped there.”
Farawo said collaboration with law enforcement agencies and the judiciary had also helped to bring the culprits to book.
“We also worked closely with law enforcement officials and the courts and they managed to arrest and try at least 915 cases of both for commercial and subsistence poachers throughout the country,” he said.
“But the message remains clear that if you are found armed inside the park you will be killed.
“Our rangers will not hesitate to shoot on site and we are alert and even those that encroach inside the park for purposes of subsistence poaching will be arrested and taken to court.”
Farawo appealed for partnerships with non-profit organisations to fight poaching inside the national parks.
Trevor Lane, a co-founder of Bhejane Trust, a non-profit organisation that seeks to protect elephants, rhinos and other large mammals in Zimbabwe’s parks, praised Zimparks for bringing down poaching cases.
“The figures are impressive to us because they show that they have been doing a good job considering the past years where we have come from,” Lane said.
“I wouldn’t know what pushes commercial poaching because our organisation does not investigate such things, but for subsistence poaching, obviously the reason for that is the issue of poverty in the communities.”
According to ZimParks, 322 elephants were killed by poachers between 2016 and 2019, largely for their tusks. In two separate incidents at the expansive Hwange National Park, 90 elephants were killed in 2013 and 40 in 2015, after poachers laced cyanide on oranges at watering holes, in what some conservationists described as industrial-scale poaching.
BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
Born in Kadoma and raised across various towns in Zimbabwe, gospel artist Marvin Dube carries with him the deep spiritual and cultural roots of his Tonga heritage from Junamina village in Binga. Now based in the United Kingdom, Marvin is making waves in the gospel music scene, using his voice and message to uplift, heal, and inspire.
Following his previous single “Munoziva Zvose”, Marvin continues to evolve as a gospel minister and artist. His latest songs, Tinetariro and Tendai Mwari, showcase a refreshing mix of faith, gratitude, and reflection on the moral and spiritual challenges facing society today.
Below are excerpts from his interview with Nokuthaba Dlamini, Managing Editor for VicFallsLive, where Marvin opened up about his inspiration, journey, and the purpose behind his new work.
What inspired these new songs, and what message do you hope listeners take away from them?
Marvin Dube:
Both Tinetariro and Tendai Mwari were born out of reflection and prayer. Tinetariro speaks about hope — the kind that reminds us we are God’s children, even in times of moral decline and confusion. I was inspired by the challenges we are facing today, especially among the youth. Many have lost direction and respect, and social media has become a space where spiritual values are often mocked.
I wanted to use Tinetariro to remind people that there’s still hope for our generation — that God hasn’t forgotten us.
Tendai Mwari carries a message of gratitude. It encourages us to appreciate God for the little we have and to remain thankful even before we receive the big things we dream of — the car, the house, the job. Gratitude opens doors, and I want listeners to embrace that attitude of thankfulness every day.
How do these songs reflect your personal journey or growth as a gospel artist?
Marvin Dube:
These songs mark a point of maturity in my journey. I’ve grown to understand that gospel music is more than melody — it’s ministry. I now write with more purpose, aiming to address real issues affecting believers and society. Tinetariro and Tendai Mwari reflect my growth in both faith and artistry, showing that gospel music can heal, correct, and inspire all at once.
Can you tell us about the creative process, from writing to production, and who you worked with on this project?
Marvin Dube:
My creative process is very spiritual and organic. I draw a lot of inspiration from preaching. Often, a melody will start as a small tune in my mind — it keeps ringing until I can’t ignore it. Usually, the chorus comes first. I then take time to pray for inspiration to write the verses so that the message aligns with what God wants to say through the song.
After that, I play the song on my guitar, record a rough version, and share it with the producer or the band I’ll be working with. For this project, I worked with Hertz Records, who have produced all my music to date. They truly understand my sound and help me bring my ideas to life.
I also want to give a special shout-out to my wife, Leonora, and my two little kids. They’ve been my biggest supporters and motivation throughout this journey. Their love and encouragement mean everything to me.
How do you see gospel music evolving in Zimbabwe and Africa, and where do you see your work fitting into that movement?
Marvin Dube:
Gospel music in Zimbabwe and across Africa is evolving in powerful ways. Artists are finding new ways to reach wider audiences by blending traditional gospel messages with contemporary sounds. It’s exciting to see how the gospel is being shared in modern, relatable ways — especially among young people.
I see my work fitting right into that movement. My goal is to be a bridge between generations — to deliver timeless spiritual truths with a fresh, modern sound that speaks to today’s world while staying true to the Word of God.
What has been the most powerful reaction or testimony you’ve received from people who have listened to your music?
Marvin Dube:
One of the most powerful testimonies I’ve received came from a young listener who said Tinetariro gave them hope again after going through a very dark season. They told me the song reminded them that God still has a plan for their life. Hearing that touched me deeply. It’s moments like those that remind me this is more than music — it’s ministry, and I’m humbled that God is using my songs to touch lives.
Closing Note
Marvin Dube:
I’m truly grateful for the love and support I’ve received for Tinetariro and Tendai Mwari. If you haven’t listened yet, both songs are available on all streaming platforms and on my YouTube channel, Marvin Dube. The year 2026 will be even more exciting, with several projects already in motion that I believe will uplift and bless many lives.
-
Slider3 years agoInnscor launches brewery to produce Nyathi beer
-
National4 years agoIn perched rural Matabeleland North, renewable energy is vital
-
Tourism and Environment4 years agoStrive Masiyiwa’s daughter opens luxury Victoria Falls lodge
-
Opinion4 years agoA street art mural in Zimbabwe exposes a divided society
-
Special reports4 years agoTinashe Mugabe’s DNA show’s popularity soars, causes discomfort for some
-
National4 years agoVictoria Falls’ pilot dies in helicopter crash
-
National3 years agoCommission of inquiry findings fail to be tabled as Victoria Falls councillors fight
-
National3 years agoHwange coal miner fires workers over salary dispute