BY WANDILE TSHUMA
A Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZIMPARKS) ranger appeared before Hwange Magistrates Court on Saturday, accused of killing three lions and removing their heads and paws.
Hali Mabuya, 39, and employee of the at Hwange National Park’s Mtshibi Camp, appeared before magistrate Fungai Dzimbiri facing charges of unlawful hunting and unlawful possession of ammunition without a firearm certificate.
The three lions, two females and one male, were found dead near the Dom Pan waterhole inside Hwange National Park on October 22.
The killing and dismembering of the animals is believed to have been carried out by more than one person, as tyre marks and footprints were observed at the scene.
ZIMPARKS had offered a $2000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators.
Prosecutor Jemesina Makanza told the court that Mabuya was arrested after attempting to return a Point 458 rifle to the armoury, with requests to alter the dates of when he had signed for and returned the weapon.
The rifle has since been matched to the bullets that killed the lions.
Mabuya was remanded in custody to November 1, as the investigation continues.
VicFallsLive will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.