TANZANIA: More Suspects In British Chopper Pilot Killing Held

HELICOPTER pilot Roger Gower, right, assists with anti-poaching activities in Tanzania’s Katavi National Park. On January 28, he died after he was shot by poachers while trying to track them down.

MORE suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of British helicopter pilot Roger Gower by poachers recently.

Impeccable sources close to the investigations team said about 12 suspects have been arrested while the manhunt was closing in on additional suspect yesterday.

A source revealed that antipoaching operations have been intensified nationwide since the slaying of the British helicopter pilot, netting eight suspects and 21 rifles within the Selous Game Reserve in Mahenge District.

The ‘Daily News’ contacted the Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Prof Jumanne Maghembe, who directed this reporter to contact the Simiyu Regional Police Commander for a detailed report on the matter.

“Yes, we have more suspects in custody..... contact the Simiyu RPC, who will give you more details. We have also intensified anti-poaching operations countrywide,” he explained. Efforts to contact the Simiyu RPC were futile as his phone was not reachable.

Prof Maghembe noted that the Simiyu RPC would hold a press conference today on the matter, adding that at the policy level, together with Home Affairs Minister Charles Katanga, they will hold another press conference tomorrow.

The Friedkin Conservation Fund was quoted saying that among suspects arrested are members of a network providing illegal weapons and smuggling ivory. Gower, 37, was helping authorities in the country to track the criminals when they opened fire on his aircraft on January 29.

President John Magufuli has condemned the killing of the British conservationist, who worked for the Friedkin Conservation Fund.

“This is a sad incident that must be strongly condemned,” Dr Magufuli said in a statement, ordering all those involved to be “aggressively pursued and brought to justice.”

“I personally support the fight against poaching in our game reserves and national parks let us join hands against the poachers,” added the president. Gower’s South African colleague, safari guide Nicky Bester, survived the helicopter crash.

Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) spokesman Pascal Shelutete was quoted saying that poachers can be “heavily armed with sophisticated military weaponry.

” Ivory is sought out for jewelry and decorative objects and much of it is smuggled to China, where wealthy shoppers are reported to be increasingly buying ivory trinkets as a sign of financial success. It is estimated that more than 30,000 elephants are killed for their tusks every year across Africa.