The Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit (VFAPU) captured three ivory dealers and over 300 poachers in 2015, according to VFAPU Head of Operations, Charles Brightman.
The ivory dealers, who were Victoria Falls residents, were caught in January last year with approximately 10kg of elephant tusks. Each dealer was sentenced to nine years in prison, said Brightman. “VFAPU assists and funds a number of these types of operations each year. VFAPU helped in several cases where poachers were arrested for possession of cyanide, weapons and tusks.”
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The unit, which employs 17 scouts, works closely with National Parks and Wildlife Management and the Zimbabwe Republic Police to conserve Zimbabwe’s valuable wildlife resources.
Africa Albida Tourism Chief Executive, Ross Kennedy, said the contribution that VFAPU made to the Victoria Falls community, the tourism industry and surrounding area was immeasurable. “No one should take for granted the dedication and commitment, hard work and passion displayed 365 days a year by Charles and the scouts.”
