GOVT ISSUE SHOOT-TO-KILL ORDER IN ATTEMPT TO TACKLE POACHING

Govt issues shoot-to-kill order in attempt to tackle poaching

The Citizen Correspondent

Posted  Saturday, October 5  2013 at  07:53

Mr Kagasheki issued the order to specially trained game wardens yesterday in Arusha after leading marches staged to oppose poaching that has been on the rise in the country in the past few years.

Arusha. Game wardens should not hesitate to shoot poachers who are caught red-handed killing game, the minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Mr Khamis Kagasheki has instructed.

Mr Kagasheki issued the order to specially trained game wardens yesterday in Arusha after leading marches staged to oppose poaching that has been on the rise in the country in the past few years.

Preempting complaints and accusations by legal and human rights activists likely to arise from his order, Mr Kagasheki said it was time for the government to take a tough action against poaching and poachers, as the latter no longer seemed to fear courts.

He said further that the government was planning to amend the relevant law with a view of introducing more stringent punishments to people convicted of poaching.

“Someone caught with ivory or other government trophies, should not be made to pay only meagre fines. I say you should finish them on the spot because if you don’t they will kill you and our jumbos as well,” said Mr Kagasheki at the event.

Participants in the march organised by the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (Tato), received the announcement with cheers.

The minister said in efforts to permanently contain the poaching problem, the operation will involve all defence and security forces.

He warned against some presidential aspirants for 2015 to avoid mixing politics with the issue of poaching in the country, for this will see the nation lose its national heritage.

“Whoever wants to venture into presidential or parliamentary contest or vie for any other political position, they should avoid propaganda concerning our natural wealth and national heritage. 

This is our heritage that Mwalimu Julius Nyerere had left us with, of which we have the responsibility to protect,” he said.