Govt probing claims of hunting violations

BabuK · 2014-07-07T09:47:38+00:00

Rev Peter Msigwa, Shadow Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism The government is investigating several hunting companies operating in the country over suspected violation of the Wildlife Conservation Act no 5 of 2009. The firms are accused of hunting young zebras, warthogs, and other protected species and of using prohibited weapons contrary to the said law. Speaking at a news conference yesterday in Dar es Salaam, Shadow Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Rev Peter Msigwa said that there is enough evidence that at least one of the suspected hunting firms (name withheld) has been violating the law. Submitting a video to journalists he said was evidence, Rev Msigwa who is Iringa Urban MP said: "You can see for yourself in this film, the firm is caught hunting a young zebra, warthogs and others against the laws of the country." ‘We now suspect that many other firms are involved in this illegal practice," Msigwa said pointing out that it is against the law for persons under the age of 18 to hunt yet some firms have been allowing underage children to hunt birds and even other prey. "I submitted the evidence to parliament during the last national budget session," he said, again revealing that the firm he accuses is also guilty of shooting female wildebeest and young buffaloes using semi automatic weapons. Natural Resources and Tourism minister, Lazaro Nyalandu, confirmed receiving information from Msigwa. "We got the information and I immediately formed a commission within the wildlife department to investigate the matter," the minister said. "It has been three weeks now and I have given them two more weeks to complete the work," he told this paper over a telephone interview held yesterday. Nyalandu said if found to be true, the ministry will revoke the firm's hunting license and other legal measures will be taken. "If found guilty, we shall punish the firms based on the offense committed since each offence has its own punishment…this is in addition to the revoking of the license," he said. "Let me also take this opportunity to warn all hunting firms that failure to follow the country's laws will lead to severe punishment and revoking of licenses irrespective of the ownership of the hunting block and the origin of the firm," the minister warned. The fine for each violation of the said law range from 200,000/- to 10m/- and/or imprisonment for six months to 10 years or both (fine and imprisonment) based on the offense. SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

Thread starter BabuK
Start date Jul 7, 2014

BabuK

JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.

Accept Learn more…

Back

Top Bottom

Forums

New posts

Govt probing claims of hunting violations

BabuK

JF-Expert Member

Our Community

Regional Communities