By Takudziridzwa Nyama
A Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) ranger, Mathew Mudimu, has been arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission for theft and criminal abuse of ‘duty’.
Mudimu (37) is accused of illegally selling stolen Kapenta fishing permit tags, causing a loss of approximately USD 1,200 to ZimParks.
According to reports, Mudimu conspired with fellow ranger Courage Homela to steal unregistered fishing tags from ZimParks storerooms. These tags were meant for official allocation to kapenta fishers. In one instance, Mudimu allegedly offered a fisherman, Mapuranga Chikwasha, three stolen fishing tags for lease at USD 450 per month.
Chikwasha paid USD 700 through Mudimu’s wife, and the Mudimu installed one of the tags on Chikwasha’s vessel. The matter came to light during a routine patrol when ZimParks officials discovered the unregistered tag and impounded the vessel.
Investigations revealed that the tag was among those stolen from ZimParks. Mudimu appeared at the Chinhoyi Magistrates’ Court on November 27, 2024, and was granted USD 100 bail. He is scheduled to return to court on December 14, 2024.