Tanzanian police gun down two suspected poachers

ARUSHA, Tanzania, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian police have gunned down two suspected poachers and arrested three others in the western region of Katavi, an official said on Sunday.

Damas Nyanda, Katavi Regional Police Commander, said the exchange of fire that led to the deaths took place on Friday at around 10 p.m. local time at Kapalamsenga village in Tanganyika District.

"Police recovered 6.6 kilograms of ivory worth 14,960 U.S. dollars and 20 kilograms of game meat worth 1,760 U.S. dollars from the suspects," Nyanda said in an interview.

He added that the three will be charged in court once the investigation is complete.

The regional police chief said law enforcers rushed to the village after receiving reports from concerned villagers about the arrival there of five strangers with suspected sinister motive.

According to Nyanda, upon arrival, the officers embarked on a search for one week and finally closed in on the suspects and laid down a trap to arrest them.

"But the unidentified five men became aware of the plan before they were apprehended and started firing at the police, resulting in an exchange of bullets that led to the death of the two," he said.

"We found them with three short machine guns, 16 rounds of ammunition and five magazines, all of which we have confiscated," Nyanda added.

Head of wildlife protection at Katavi National Park Zumbe Msindai said the operation was carried out by police, park wardens and good citizens who gave tip-offs on the suspects' whereabouts. Enditem