National Parks Director Arrested
Date: 4 August 2004
Source: The Herald (Harare)
Author: Anon
THE National Parks and Wildlife Authority director of operations, Mr Vitalis Chadenga, was arrested by officers from the Criminal Investigation Department's Special Investigations squad on Monday for allegedly capturing wild animals worth about $198 million without a permit and defrauding his employers of about $3,5 million.
Chief police spokesman Assistant Commissioner Wayne Bvudzijena confirmed the arrest, adding that investigations into the case were continuing.
"He was arrested for a case of theft by false pretences involving US$534 (Z$2 857 434) and 776 South African rand (Z$688 312) after he made his employers believe that he had a journey out of the country," he said.
"He is also facing charges of violating Section 33 of the Parks and Wildlife Act for capturing wild animals without a permit."
Asst Comm Bvudzijena said Mr Chadenga allegedly captured 15 sables and 30 kudus in Mashonaland West for his personal use.
It is not clear what he did with the animals although there is speculation that he might have exported them out of the country or sold them as trophies.
Mr Chadenga becomes the first high profile National Parks and Wildlife Authority employee to be arrested since the launch of the fight against economic crimes by the Government last year.
The anti-corruption fight has seen several high-profile individuals being arrested for money laundering, unauthorised externalisation of funds, and illegally dealing in gold and other precious minerals.
Prominent people who have been arrested include the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Chris Kuruneri, and Zanu-PF Central Committee member James Makamba.