New poisoning incident and more arrests in Hwange (updated)

Eleven elephants confirmed dead in second cyanide incident at the Hwange National Park.

The elephants carcases were discovered 38 kilometres from the Hwange Main Camp during a routine patrol by Parks and Wildlife Management Authority rangers. The poachers had again applied the cyanide at a natural salt lick, as in the previous incident.

Parks and Wildlife Management Authority Regional Manager Arthur Musakwa confirmed the incident saying two suspects have been arrested in connection with the case.

He said the spoor was spotted by the rangers and led them to the homes of the suspects who were found in possession of 200 granules of cyanide. Thirteen elephant tusks have been recovered so far.

The two men, Normal Ncube and Akim Masuku are both from from Chizhou Village under Chief Nekatambe near the national park. Another suspect, reportedly believed to be a former solider, is also said to be on the run. The man, linked to the two suspects arrested on Sunday, has been identified as Fanuel Luphahla. According to reports police on recovered an army uniform and a pack of cyanide when they raided the homestead.

The two are assisting Parks and Wildlife Management Authority as well as the Zimbabwe Republic Police with information which will help in breaking the syndicate.

Read more on the poisoning of elephants in Hwange here:
More elephants die from poisoning in Hwange (14 October)
Hwange cyanide syndicate's history of poaching uncovered(10 october 2013)
Zimbabwe declares war on poachers after cyanide used in Hwange National Park (3 October 2013)

Read more about the region in our destination guide:
Hwange

Read more on elephants from the Zambezi Traveller:
Elephants