Poaching increases in Sioma District

High levels of poaching  activities have intensified in  Sioma Ngwezi National Park in Sioma District of the Western Province threatening the animal population in the area.

ZANIS  reports from Mongu District that Acting Park Warden Jarton Shawa  confirmed the development  during the second quarter Provincial Development Coordinating Committee (PDCC) held in the Minister’s conference hall in Mongu District, today.

Mr. Shawa said his office has since intensified patrols in the area adding that plans to begin conducting Aircraft patrols are under way.

He said recently, the Ministry of Tourism procured a plane which will be used to conduct aerial patrols to curb the vise.

And Sioma District Commissioner Mutomena Mubiana bemoaned the increased  number of elephants being killed by poachers in the park.

Mr. Mutomena  lamented  that elephants were being slaughtered  at will and left to decompose in the park  after the poachers  extract tusks from the animals.

He noted that there was need for ZAWA to beef up staff support in the area if the rate at which animals are being killed in the park are to be reduced.

Meanwhile, Provincial Permanent Secretary Emmanuel Mwamba has directed ZAWA to ensure they apprehend and presecute anyone found wanting in the matter.

Mr. Mwamba said it was unacceptable and unfortunate that elephants are being depleted in the province.