New legislation in Zimbabwe now recognises rangers as frontline law enforcement officers, expanding their authority to investigate offences, secure crime scenes and collaborate with other security agencies, according to The Sunday Mail.
By signing the Parks and Wildlife Amendment Act, President Emmerson Mnangagwa strengthened the capabilities of rangers to protect Zimbabwe’s natural resources from poachers.
Rangers now have a clearer statutory mandate and can thus act more effectively against wildlife crime. Zimbabwe is home to the world’s second-largest population of elephants and the fourth-largest black rhino population. It is estimated that the country lost close to US$8 million between 2019 and 2024 due to wildlife crime.
