By Peter Saramba, The Citizen Correspondent
Posted Saturday, October 5 2013 at 07:53
Posted Saturday, October 5 2013 at 07:53
In Summary
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.
SOURCE: THE CITIZEN
SOURCE: THE CITIZEN
