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Ms Washaya-Moyo

Walter Nyamukondiwa Chinhoyi Bureau

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority rangers who were reported missing on Tuesday in the Mana Pools National Park were found alive yesterday after a search and rescue mission.

However, it has since emerged that the rangers were not aware that they had been reported missing and the subject of an elaborate aerial and ground search operation.

The rangers -Privilege Sibanda, George Sikangata, Marvelous Moyo and Lovemore Mutetwa – were found near the Chewore River yesterday after a two-day search operation in the wildlife-infested area.

According to sources, they went on an anti-poaching patrol on September 2 with a radio communication but a day later indicated that they were entering an area without connection.

Incidentally, a villager from communities adjacent the park under Chief Chundu reported that four suspected rangers had died after drinking poisoned water.

This prompted authorities to alert the police and the parks head office since no communication had been established for some days.

A search team including Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and the Environmental Management Agency was then set up.

The report indicated that the rangers drank cyanide-laced water at one of the watering holes in the safari area.

EMA was then called in to conduct investigations.

Contacted for a comment on the latest developments, Parks spokesperson Ms Caroline Washaya-Moyo referred all questions to “sources” who had given earlier information.

“It’s you guys (media) who work on a deadline. You should not pressure us to give a response simply because you need it. When we don’t give out information, we know what we will be doing. Get the details from the sources who gave you the information yesterday (Wednesday),” she fumed.

This is despite the fact that confirmation was first sought from the authority.

There are indications that two people have since been arrested in connection with the matter.

No comment could be obtained from the police.