JUST IN: Ex Vic Falls Mayor nabbed for poaching


By Bayethe Mhlanga

Former Victoria Falls Sifiso Mpofu was on Thursday evening arrested after being found in possession of 120 kilograms of ivory.

Mpofu and two other accomplices Milton Sibindi, son to the late former MDC T Matabeleland North chairman Thembinkosi Sibindi and Pathiso Sibanda were busted last night at Mpofu’s Mkhosana residence on Thursday night.  

Zimbabwe national Parks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo confirmed Mpofu’s arrest to this publication.

“I can confirm that Mpofu and other two of his accomplices were arrested last night in Victoria Falls. They were found in possession of tusks weighing about 120 kilograms and we recovered a pistol at the crime scene.

Investigations are in progress and they are expected to appear in court soon. We are on high alert and have already declared war against poaching and we say no to poaching. The latest is one of the poaching syndicate we have managed to bust,” he said.  

Matabeleland North police spokesperson Siphiwe Makonese confirmed the arrest before referring this reporter to National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi for further comment. Nyathi said he will only be available for comment after 2pm.  

Mpofu, a top ZANU PF leader in Matabeleland North was elected Mayor of Victoria Falls in 2013 and worked for Obert Mpofu.

In another case of poaching last year, Bhejane Trust conservation officials shot and apprehended a suspected Zambian poacher in the Zambezi Park after he allegedly shot an elephant that was later found floating in the Zambezi River.

The poacher who went on to receive treatment at Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo, said he had crossed into Zimbabwe to conduct a “hit and run” raid in one of the country’s estates.