Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit says it has arrested a suspect accused of illegally slaughtering and selling guinea fowl meat on a large scale following a two-week surveillance operation.
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, the unit said intelligence indicated that the suspect was allegedly processing and selling about two 50-kilogram sacks of guinea fowl meat every week in Victoria Falls.
The anti-poaching team said a sting operation led to the arrest of the suspect and the seizure of 11 guinea fowl carcasses.
The unit said although some people may view guinea fowl as a low-value species, the birds play an important role in maintaining the ecosystem and are protected under Zimbabwe’s wildlife laws.
It further alleged that the suspect is gainfully employed, saying the illegal hunting appeared to be motivated by greed rather than survival.
According to the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit, the recent good rainy season has boosted wildlife populations, making species such as guinea fowl increasingly vulnerable to poaching. The organization warned that the scale of the alleged killings is unsustainable and poses a threat to biodiversity.
The unit also commended the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) for their swift response and collaboration during the operation.
The suspect is expected to appear in court, where the allegations will be tested.