Senior cop arrested for rhino poaching

A SENIOR police officer in Bulawayo has been arrested and has appeared before a Beitbridge court facing charges of poaching.

Assistant Inspector Nhlanhla Nkomo (43), who is stationed at Pumula Police Station in Bulawayo, was reportedly arrested with two other suspects, a Zambian national — Stanley Katandika (50) and a former parks ranger worker, Owen Nyoni (30) by Zimbabwe National Parks and Wild Life anti-poaching rangers in Bubye Valley Conservancy in Mazunga on Thursday.

According to reports the trio had been hunting a rhino and were put under surveillance. They were swiftly arrested by rangers who managed to retrieve a fire arm. The trio appeared before Beitbridge magistrate, Mr Toyindepi Zhou facing charges of violating a section of the Parks and Wildlife Act (poaching) and possession of a firearm or ammunition without a license.

They were remanded in custody to 3 February for trial.

Meanwhile, a police officer in Bulawayo has been arrested for circulating false statements about the organisation. Constable Benson Mushayi based at Mzilikazi Police Station allegedly circulated messages claiming that some police officers were engaging in armed robbery and prostitution.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest.

“The police officer was arrested after he circulated messages on WhatsApp about his colleagues. He said male officers were involved in armed robbery cases, while female officers had resorted to prostitution in a bid to make ends meet, as their salaries were inadequate,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

Asst Com Nyathi said they will take disciplinary measures against the officer to make