Poachers shoot ZAWA officers

TWO Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) police officers were attacked in separate incidences by suspected poachers leaving one with a gun wound and another with a fractured leg.
The incidences happened in the Bangweulu and Chama Game Management Areas (GMA) over the weekend.
In the Bangweulu shooting, Formade Kalaba was on a routine patrol with other officers in the area when they apprehended two suspects who had killed four black lechwes with a shot gun.
The officers then came into contact with another group of poachers where they apprehended one while the others managed to escape, in the process Mr Kalaba was shot above the wrist.
The officer was then rushed to Chilonga Mission Hospital for medical attention and his condition was currently stable.

ZAWA public relations officer Sakabilo Kalembwe said this in a statement in Lusaka yesterday.
In the Chama shooting, John Phiri sustained a fractured leg after being attacked by suspected poachers.
He was attacked while on patrol in Musalangu East GMA when his team met a group of four poachers and managed to apprehend one while the other three managed to escape.
The three escapees regrouped and attacked the ZAWA officers in the process injuring Mr Phiri.
The assailant was apprehended and handed over to Lundazi Police Station where he was in custody pending his appearance in court.
“We would like to warn poachers against taking the law in their own hands. Our officers are trained and will always defend themselves against poachers as they defend wildlife estate,” Mr Kalembwe said.

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