Tanzanian gov't probes officials linked to poaching

Tanzanian authorities said on Friday they are investigating reports that three wildlife officials have got away with poaching of animals for bush meat in Mbeya region in December last year.

"We have launched investigations following the reports. Anyone that will be implicated will have to face the music," said Gaudence Milanzi, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism.

Milanzi said if the country were not careful about its animals they (animals) would be depleted.

"Thank God that in some areas such as the Selous Game Reserve the situation is stabilizing but this should not be reason to relax," said Milanzi.

The reports said two wildlife officers and a tourism officer with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism colluded with suspected poachers in December last year and killed nine animals adjacent to Inyonga South hunting block in Chunya district, Mbeya region.

The reports said they killed the nine animals, including one hartebeest, one sable antelope, one roan antelope, three warthogs and three reedbucks.

The sources said the suspects were reported to police and they were later charged in court with economic sabotage case number 18/2015 where they were released on bail.

However, the reports said it was puzzling why the three wildlife officials are still in their jobs while facing charges in a court of law.

According to the reports, the public service management standing orders state clearly that a public servant facing charges was not supposed to be in public service.

On October 29, President John Magufuli directed security forces to hunt down poachers and all criminals financing the poaching of elephants.

"I am behind you ... arrest all those involved in this illicit trade, no one should be spared regardless of his position, age, religion ... or popularity," President Magufuli said in a statement. Endit