BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
A Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit (VFAPU) senior scout, who was trampled to death by a stray elephant last Friday, was leading a team that was investigating a poaching incident in the resort city, the organisation has said.
Clever Kapandura, the VFAPU operations co-ordinator, has been described by his colleagues as a very passionate conservationist who died in the line of duty.
“Following a report of a possible poaching incident with GPS (global positioning system) coordinates of a carcass, VFAPU deployed a team of anti-poaching scouts to investigate the scene,” VFAPU said in a statement on Monday.
“Clever Kapandura, as the operations co-ordinator for the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit, and being the passionate and committed leader he was, decided to go out and join the team on the ground to investigate the scene.
“Whilst following the GPS coordinates, the team noticed an elephant bull a substantial distance away.
“For some unknown reason, the elephant bull charged from approximately 120 meters, and the team of three scouts had to
split up.”
VFAPU added: “Despite following all the prescribed evasive action in an elephant charge situation, the animal continued its charge and sadly intercepted Clever.
“His fellow scouts managed to scare the elephant off and called for support, but by the time the ambulance arrived Clever
had succumbed to his injuries sustained in the tragic incident.”
Kapandura joined VFAPU in 1999 when the unit was formed.
“His experience and commitment to the tourism and conservation
sector has spanned over 32 years, having been part of the original Wilderness Safaris team when the company first began in 1990 before moving across to dedicate his life to wildlife conservation,” VFAPU said.
“Clever was a kind, dedicated, passionate and well-respected member of the Victoria Falls community, and the wider tourism community within Zimbabwe, and is considered by so many as one of the region’s conservation heroes.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic and senseless loss of our friend and colleague.”
“Clever leaves behind a family, and we at Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit would like to extend our heartfelt and sincere condolences to the entire Kapandura family, and to all who knew Clever, had the pleasure of working with him, and loved him.
“In due course, as a tribute to Clever, we will be releasing details of a fundraiser for those who wish to assist his wife and his children which he leaves behind.”