Two suspected poachers died in an armed confrontation with Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZIMPARKS) rangers in DX Marongora Game Park, officials confirmed.

The deceased, identified as Tawanda Mapako and Courage Maodza from Hurungwe’s Nyamakate village, were part of a four-man group allegedly conducting illegal hunting operations near Chief Chundu’s area.

“There was an armed contact in Hurungwe where unfortunately two suspected poachers lost their lives,” ZIMPARKS spokesperson Tinashe Farawo said. One surviving suspect suffered leg injuries, while authorities arrested the fourth member of the group.

Police spokesman Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident, stating that investigations are ongoing. Due to challenging terrain along the Zambezi Valley escarpment, authorities retrieved the bodies by helicopter on Saturday.

The incident highlights Zimbabwe’s strict wildlife protection measures, where hunting is only permitted with proper authorization and licenses from ZIMPARKS.