A 19-year-old game ranger has been shot dead by poachers during a fierce exchange of gunfire at Bush Cut Farm in Chisamba, Central Province.
The deceased, identified as Zachariah Hachombe, met his tragic end on Saturday afternoon while on patrol with five fellow rangers and a security dog.
According to police, the group was armed with three pump-action firearms when they spotted five suspicious men carrying sacks and heading toward a neighbouring farm around 15:00 hours.
Two of the men were reportedly armed with shotguns.
Upon seeing the rangers, the poachers immediately opened fire, sparking a gunfight in the bush.
Four of the suspects managed to escape, while one stayed behind and fatally shot Hachombe before being gunned down by the rangers.
Police have since identified the slain poacher as Tobias Mbozi of Mbozi Farm in Chisamba.
Officers who later visited the scene recovered a CBC Brazil 12-gauge single shotgun loaded with live ammunition, four shotgun shells, and several sacks containing butchered warthog meat.
Central Province police commissioner Charity Munganga confirmed the incident, saying a manhunt has been launched for the remaining poachers.
“We are appealing to anyone with information leading to the arrest of the fugitives to report to the nearest police station,” Munganga said.
The bodies of Hachombe and Mbozi have been deposited in Chisamba Rural Health Centre mortuary awaiting postmortem.
By Noel Iyombwa
Kalemba October 5, 2025
