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Rangers on the frontline: Celebrating the unsung heroes of conservation

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Today, conservation organizations and wildlife enthusiasts around the world are coming together to celebrate World Rangers Day, a tribute to the brave men and women who risk their lives every day to protect the planet’s precious wildlife and natural resources.

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At the forefront of conservation efforts are rangers like those at Panda Masuie, a team of 18 dedicated individuals who don their green uniforms every day, driven by skill, passion, loyalty, and courage.

They are the first line of defense against poachers and wildlife crimes, working tirelessly to safeguard the animals in their care, including rehabilitated orphaned elephants.

“These rangers are the true champions of conservation,”say Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit.

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“They are the reason why wild spaces remain for future generations to enjoy. Their hard work, dedication, and unwavering passion are an inspiration to us all.”

But the job of a ranger comes with a great cost.

Many have lost their lives in the line of duty, and the International Ranger Federation reports that 140 rangers from 38 countries have passed away since June 2023.

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Despite the challenges, Rangers continue to play a crucial role in achieving conservation goals. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recognizes the importance of their work, particularly in achieving the conservation of 30% of our planet’s lands and water by 2030.

“Rangers are the unsung heroes of conservation,” says IUCN.

“We thank them sincerely for their commitment and contribution. Their dedication is crucial in our mission to protect our planet and its people.”

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Chinese businesswoman nabbed over $880K illegal transfer scandal

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BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A 52-year-old Chinese national has appeared in court on charges of illicit financial dealings involving US$880 000.

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According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Sun Limin, a Chinese businesswoman, was arrested on July 31, at her premises in Graniteside, Harare.

“The accused, a Chinese national, is facing charges of contravening the Exchange Control Act [Chapter 22:05] and the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act [Chapter 9:24:1],” said the NPA in a statement.

“Sun Limin allegedly transferred US$880 000 to China without the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s approval between January and July 2025.

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Investigations have confirmed bills of entry for the goods, which were imported from China via Forbes Border Post. Witness testimonies from clearing agents and documents proving transactions were also obtained.”

The NPA added that Sun Limin concealed the true nature and source of the funds, which authorities believe are proceeds of crime.

Sun Limin was granted US$500 bail, with conditions that include surrendering her passport, reporting to the police every Friday, and refraining from interfering with witnesses.

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“The case highlights growing scrutiny on financial crimes in Zimbabwe, especially involving cross-border transactions. Authorities are tightening controls to curb illicit capital flight and money laundering,” said the NPA.

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Zimparks defends trophy hunting of collared lion in Hwange

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

Zimbabwe’s wildlife authority, Zimparks, has defended the killing of a collared lion, Blondie, in Hwange National Park, despite widespread outrage and criticism from conservationists.

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According to BBC News, Blondie, a well-known lion studied by University of Oxford academics, was killed by trophy hunters just outside Hwange National Park in late June. The lion was wearing a collar sponsored by Africa Geographic, a safari company, to support long-term conservation efforts.

In a press statement, Zimparks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo said:

“Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) confirms that a recent hunt of a collared lion in Hwange National Park was legally conducted, with the necessary approvals and having fully complied with all regulations. Contrary to ongoing speculation, there was no illegality involved in this hunt. While collared animals are marked for research purposes, this does not exempt them from being legally hunted under regulated circumstances. We urge the public to stop spreading wrong information that may cause unnecessary alarm. ZimParks remains committed to transparent wildlife management upholding the regulations in all activities.”

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According to BBC News, Simon Espley, CEO of Africa Geographic, expressed his dismay and anger over the incident, saying that Blondie’s prominent collar did not prevent him from being hunted. Espley also noted that Blondie was a breeding male in his prime, contradicting claims that trophy hunters only target old, non-breeding males.

The incident has drawn comparisons to the killing of Cecil the lion in 2015, which sparked widespread outrage and calls for stricter regulations on trophy hunting.

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Renowned conservationist Alan Elliott passes away at 86

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The conservation world is mourning the loss of Alan Elliott, a pioneering conservationist and tourism operator who passed away this morning around 2AM at Materdei Hospital in Bulawayo.

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Elliott, affectionately known as “Mandebele,” was 86 years old.

Photo by Charlene Hewat

Elliott’s contributions to conservation and tourism in Zimbabwe are immeasurable. He was one of the first people to bring tourism to Hwange, Zimbabwe’s largest national park, and founded Touch the Wild, a tourism operation that hosted numerous celebrities, including the Queen and Prince Philip.

We then contacted Charlene Hewat, a close associate of Elliott’s Presidential Elephant Research Trust (PERT), to explain further about his conservation work. Hewat described Elliott as an extraordinary conservationist who dedicated his life to protecting elephants. “Alan’s legacy is imprinted on the wild landscapes he loved so dearly and protected so fiercely,” Hewat said in a Facebook post.

In an interview, Hewat elaborated on Elliott’s work, highlighting his efforts to protect elephants in Hwange. “He went and got a decree from President (Robert) Mugabe to protect the presidential elephants, and he received that decree, and they agreed that they would not shoot any elephants within the Dete Hwange area,” Hewat explained.

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Elliott’s passing has sent shockwaves throughout the conservation community, with many paying tribute to his remarkable legacy. “He’s a legend. Everybody knows him,” Hewat said. “He was an MP in Hwange, spoke fluent Ndebele, and knew a lot of the ministers. He’s just an amazing man, a legend for Zimbabwe.”

As a testament to his enduring legacy, Elliott had asked Hewat to carry on his work with the Presidential Elephant Research Trust. “It was his vision to promote young Zimbabwean researchers, and that’s something that I share and think we can take forward for the country and for the youth,” Hewat said.

 

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