Nine arrests in 12 hours.
Sunday, July 19, 2009 at 02:46PM Last night we went out on a night ambush and arrested three poachers. Out of all my years this was one of the most difficult catches as one of the poachers was intent on causing harm. He had put his spear firmly into the ground so that it faced us as we chased him, and then was also lashing out violently with his knife.
The arrested poachers last night.
Early in the morning we went out again and found three women who had come down from the escarpment to collect bushmeat from their husbands. We arrested the women and then also managed to arrest the men.
The two arrested this morning.
We collected in total 17 snares, but I am sure that there are many more that have been laid by the men. Our rangers are currently sweeping the area to collect those that remain.
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Reader Comments (6)
You all have had a busy couple of days Joshua. Interesting that you arrested women now - is this the first time? I hope this sends a strong message to the other women in their area - that no one is exempt from being arrested. If the husband and wife are arrested who will look after their children? That is something for them to think about! What will be the punishment for these poachers?
Hey Dana
I believe women have been arrested before, let me try and find out.
Family units are not like they are in the US, grandparents, uncles, aunties etc. are all in a very close area so the children will always be taken care of.
It is up to the Tanzanian Courts to decide on the punishment.
Excellent work guys- classic anti-poaching operation at its best.
Great news! I was just wondering how the tracker dogs can be protected from these kind of violent poachers? These dogs are a great asset in catching poachers and was just thinking are poachers a real threat to the dogs?
good thing that these poachers do not carry guns! spear and knives are bad enough. too bad they are not forced to collect all snares while serving their sentence.
Our tracker dogs and handlers are always at the safe side whenever they are engaged in any operation. We do provide security cover from any imminent threat. Currently they are not use night ambushes.