Tanzania: Two Held Over Jumbo Tusks

According to Katavi Regional Police Commander Mr Dhahiri Kidavashari, the suspects, who are both residents of Usevya Village in Mlele District, were arrested on Tuesday at around 7pm during a joint operation between the police and wildlife rangers in Katavi National Park.

Mr Kidavashari said police and Katavi national park rangers tracked the suspects following a tip off from a good Samaritan.

“The suspects were found in possession of wildlife trophies, namely elephant tusks, when the police and Katavi National Park rangers arrested them,” the RPC said.

The four tusks, weighing 47.6 kg, were in plastic bags, according to Mr Kidavashari.

“After a tip off from one member of the public, we set up a trap and managed to arrest the suspects when they were readying to leave the park by a motorcycle,” said Mr Kidavashari.

According to the RPC, the two are in police custody for interrogations.

Mr Kidavashari added that the suspects will be arraigned shortly after police concluded investigations.