A 26-year-old Gokwe man who was shot and injured while allegedly poaching elephants at Mana Pools National Park is still in hospital and was remanded to September 15. However, ZimParks said the poacher, Charles Katazo (26), is not their employee as previously reported. He was remanded on his hospital bed by Harare magistrate Ms Josephine Sande.
Katazo of Matekenya Village Gokwe North was found in possession of two elephant tusks. The prosecutor Mr Sebastian Mutizirwa alleged that Katazo entered Manna Pools National Park without a permit.
Meanwhile, suspended Zimparks director-general Edson Chidziya was remanded to October 5 on charges of concealing an audit report in 2015, which exposed theft of 56 rhino horns worth $3 million. Chidziya (52) is appearing in court with three other ZimParks employees in connection with the theft.
Chidziya is represented by Professor Lovemore Madhuku. Chidziya is facing criminal abuse of office charges. His subordinates ZimParks wildlife officer Padgewell Mazoyo (37), audit manager Gift Kuwora (51) and former security officer Munyaradzi Nhira (32) are charged with theft of trust property.