Rafiki stabbed to death by poachers

WILDLIFE   POACHING  

Rafiki a 25-year-old gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was stabbed in the abdomen to death by poachers on June 1.

In a press release from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), investigations from the Police reveal that Rafiki was stabbed by a sharp object which penetrated its left upper part of the abdomen up to the internal organs.

The police have since arrested four poachers who include; Felix Byamukama, Valence Museveni, Yonas Mubangisi and Bampabenda Everest.

Byamukama one of the poachers was arrested from his residence in Murole village, Nteko parish, Nyabwiehenya sub-county in Kisoro district.

He was found in possession of bush pig meat and several hunting devices including a spear, rope snares and a dog hunting bell.

Byamukama confessed to killing the gorilla in self-defence. "He says he had gone hunting in the park with Bampabenda where they came into contact with the group. When the silverback charged at them, he speared it," partly read the press release.

The four suspects are currently at Kisoro Police Station awaiting trial in the courts of law.

On June 1, 2020, Rafiki, the silverback of Nkuringo gorilla group was reported missing and on June 2, a team from UWA mounted a search only to find the body of Rafiki in Hakato area inside Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

According to UWA spokesman Gessa Simplicious, Rafiki was the leader of Nkuringo gorilla group which was the first to be habituated in Uganda in 1997.

"He has left a family group of 17 with one other Silverback, three Blackbacks, a harem of eight females, two juveniles, and three infants," said Gessa in a somber mood.

UWA lawyer Annet Tuhaisomwe says according to the new Wildlife Act the suspects risk getting a life sentence or a fine of $5.4m.

"Wildlife especially the endangered mountain gorillas need protection," stressed Atuhaisomwe.