The Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) in collaboration with Game Rangers International (GRI) yesterday concluded a seven day training exercise for Wildlife Police officers at Kafue National Park.

The training included an introduction to small firearms and tactical planning for ZAWA’s Special Anti-Poaching Unit (SAPU) and the Intelligence and Investigations Unit (IIU), from 27th March – 2nd April, 2014.

Thirty-three wildlife police officers, responsible for protecting the country’s biodiversity and wildlife estates attended the course. Modules covered entering and securing buildings, subject handling, casualty retrieval and other tactical planning. Senior ZAWA Investigations Officer, Lameck Mumba led the course, with the help of Clive Dickinson, a retired national firearm instructor at the British Metropolitan Police.

ZAWA head of Investigations, Mr. Biemba Musole who attended the passing out ceremony emphasised on the need for officers to work hard and remain committed to establishing reliable contacts with communities in Game Management areas and around the national parks towards anti-poaching activities.

“Do no wait until animal has been killed before you act. Even as we are working towards equipping you with the necessary resources, we are a conservation body and military body, hence we must act before poaching occurs and not to just react to it. Establish reliable contacts with communities to assist you in anti-poaching exercising and tips”  – Mr Musole said.

He also thanked GRI for facilitating the training.

“It is through such collaborative efforts that we are able to conserve our wildlife estates because ZAWA cannot do it alone.  I know that GRI has continued to work with ZAWA on several initiatives,” – Mr Musole observed.

Article by: ZAWA ( Zambia Wildlife Authority )

Photos by ZAWA PR