Man held in Kigoma over killing two elephants
Dar es Salaam. The anti-poaching task force in Kigoma Region on Friday, November 17, arrested Mr Maneno Tanu over allegations of killing two elephants last month.
Reports from the region say the suspected poacher, who has been on the run for several weeks after he allegedly killed the two elephants, was arrested following the collaboration of Friedkin Conservation Anti-Poaching Unit, Kifura Game Post Wardens and Kasulu police officials.
An anonymous source from Kigoma told The Citizen on Friday, November 17, that the suspected poacher was arrested at about 5am after informers tipped off the anti-poaching team about Mr Tanu’s whereabouts.
“Then, the task force stormed his residence and arrested the suspected poacher and seized some firearms,” he told this paper.
He named the confiscated firearms as a locally-made gun and a submachinegun (SMG). Others are a full loaded magazine and 98 SMG bullets.
According to the source, Mr Tanu was taken to Kasulu District Station, where a case with registration No KSL/ IR/ 3699/2017 was registered. The suspect is being charged with the killing of two elephants three weeks ago.
“He is still with us at Kifura for questioning. Later, we will transfer him to Tabora, where a special anti-poaching task force is situated,” he noted.
Kigoma regional police commander (RPC) Martine Otieno confirmed the arrest. “I can’t provide detailed information as I’m travelling back from Kibondo,” said Mr Otieno in a telephone interview.
