DAR ES SALAAM: 34 people are being held into custidy to assist police investigations into the killing of six conservation officers during an operation in the country’s Tabora region, Natural Resources and Tourism Minister Ashatu Kijaji confirmed yesterday.
Soeaking to journalist in Dar es Salaam the minister said that, the officers were killed on September 18 in the Ipole Wildlife Management Area in Sikonge District while carrying out an operation to protect natural resources.
She said five other officers were injured. One remains in hospital while four have been discharged.
Dr Kijaji said the police, working with other security agencies, is investigating the cause of the attack, the circumstances surrounding it and those responsible.
“The government will not draw conclusions on the cause, perpetrators or circumstances surrounding the incident before investigations are completed,” she said.
She offered condolences to the families of the deceased and to the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA), Sikonge District Council, the Ipole Wildlife Management Area and other conservation stakeholders affected by the attack.
Dr Kijaji urged conservation officers to continue their work with courage, professionalism and discipline while observing the law and established procedures.
She said the government will continue improving the working environment and safety of personnel protecting the country’s natural resources and strengthen cooperation with communities living around protected areas.
“Sustainable conservation cannot be achieved without the participation of communities living around protected areas,” she said.
Dr Kijaji said another investigations is continuing into the deaths of 11 lions and two hyenas in the Ndutu area of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
She said preliminary findings showed that some of the carcasses had injuries.
Dr Kijaji said, experts have collected samples for scientific analysis to establish the cause of death. The government will announce the findings once the investigations are complete and take action in accordance with the law and available evidence.
She said the two incidents underscored the need for closer cooperation among government institutions, conservation agencies, local communities and other stakeholders.
“Disputes should be resolved peacefully and through lawful procedures,” she said.
Meanwhile the TAWA Board Chairman, retired Major General Hamisi Semfuko, condemned the killing of TAWA officer Gift Eliaika and five other conservation officers during an operation to impound livestock in the Iswangala Wildlife Management Area.
Speaking at Eliaika’s farewell ceremony, Semfuko said the board would not tolerate the attack and urged officers to remain vigilant and take precautions to protect themselves during field operations.
“Every TAWA officer working in the field is expected to protect fellow officers and themselves in order to strengthen security during operations,” he said.
Urambo District Commissioner Khamis Mnanachi, representing the Tabora Regional Commissioner, said investigations were continuing to establish whether the attackers were livestock keepers whose animals had been impounded.
Those found responsible will face legal action, he said.
According to authorities, the attackers seized two AK-47 rifles and another firearm, burnt one of the AK-47 rifles together with a Toyota Land Cruiser and fled with the impounded livestock.
The owners had been required to pay fines exceeding 100m/- for the animals, authorities said.