Two suspected poachers arrested for murder of one of Zambia's best game rangers

LUSAKA- Two men have been arrested in connection with the killing of Dexter Chilunda, the head of law enforcement at Liuwa Plain National Park in Zambia. Dexter was shot by suspected poachers while investigating gunshots heard by park rangers on 23 May 2014. The men were apprehended on 1 June in the town of Lukulu, 35km from the park. Their court appearance date has not yet been set. The arrests resulted from the work of the Zambian police, the Zambian Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) and five Liuwa Plain law enforcement officers, following leads by supportive local communities who were devastated by his death. Chilunda was an experienced ranger and law enforcement officer with more than 20 years’ experience. At the time of his death he was on secondment to Liuwa Plain National Park from ZAWA. He was buried on 26 May in Kaomo, which is 250km from Liuwa. He leaves a wife and seven children. “The combined efforts of the Zambian police, ZAWA and the Liuwa Plain law enforcement unit that resulted in the arrests are to be commended,” said Peter Fearnhead, CEO of African Parks, which runs the Liuwa Plain NP. “In addition, we are appreciative of the overwhelming support from local communities who assisted the investigating team. The arrests send a strong warning message to poachers about the consequences of their activities.” SOURCE: Wildlife Extra