Hunting the Hunters

Zambian national Ben Simasiku has the unfortunate accolade of making Interpol most wanted list. Simasiku is described by Interpol as an “environmental criminal,” indeed one of the nine most wanted. His crime is better understood in layman’s terms. Ben Simasiku is otherwise known as the “Elephant Slayer.” Unfortunately, the title of elephant slayer is one well earnt. Simasiku was arrested in Botswana with 17 cut pieces of elephant tusk weighing 115kg, with a market value of $2,100/ kg and potential earnings of $241,500.

Yet questions remain. Was Simasiku acting alone? How would that amount of ivory reach the international and far flung markets of Asia? We learn from Simasiku’s case that he was, in fact, part of an organised and sophisticated criminal syndicate. Operating as a kind of mafia, syndicates are often difficult to penetrate and have the financial resources to supply weapons to local criminal groups and poachers, bribe officials and to coerce individuals into service as ivory carriers or wildlife poachers.

Entering into the world of poaching is like entering into gangland, where members are awarded honorific titles related to their wildlife kill rate and applauded when they circumvent law enforcement. Take the Elephant Slayer; arrested in 2012, within a short time, Simasiku managed to skip bail and flee.

Organised crime, wildlife traffickers, smugglers and an annual trade of one billion dollars; fighting these odds seem impossible. Yet imagine this: poachers have just wrapped game meat in a strong smelling fruit called “masau” which they then wrapped again in mosquito net. They board the minibus to Lusaka where they will sell their goods to the ‘big city’ guys. Responding to a tip off, dog handler Sheleni Phiri and detection dog Bar board the minibus. As Sheleni gleefully described, “the dog was able to distinguish between the scent of masau and the meat. The dog was able to tell me that there is something that we are looking for here. We followed up and found the meat.”

Anti-poaching tracking and detection dogs Lego and Bar are a recent phenomena in the Lower Zambezi National Park. Arriving from Holland with their specialist dog trainers, the dogs are thoroughbred German Shepherds from the Invictus K9 training line. Both dogs and handlers undergo a rigorous training program. As dog handler Peter Tembo’s describes, “they look for how confident you are with the dogs and the ability to move with the dogs, because the dogs move very fast”. Selection criteria apart, whether on patrol, tracking a lead or even back home in their community, dog handlers are on the front line. At home they are unable to disclose their line of work, as once discovered, they risk serious harm. Poaching is a dangerous discussion.

Given the secrecy surrounding poaching, one can assume that knowledge of its illegality is universal. Then why do it? Perhaps a major reason is to put food on the table. Despite gaining a much smaller sum for their poaching efforts, a season is enough to sustain familial livelihoods. Secondly, a weak regulatory

environment. In Zambia, poaching is a bailable offence of some ZMW2,000 which the poachers, at the bottom rung of the criminal syndicate ladder, have to come up with.

There are no easy solutions. Returning to the case of the Elephant Slayer; Interpol and investigators from Botswana and Zambia exchanged information. In tandem Zambia Wildlife Authority (now DNPW) received a tip off from a member of the public. Ben Simasiku was arrested by Zambian police in Livingstone and awaits extradition to Botswana. Collaboration opens up possibility, while canines turn the tables - the hunters now become the hunted.

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Language: English is the official language. Time Zone: GMT+2 International dialling code: +260 Visas: Visas are needed for most visitors to Zambia. They are available from Zambian embassies abroad or at Kenneth Kaunda International airport and other points of entry. Health: Malaria occurs in many parts of the country, especially in the low-lying areas where the game parks are often situated so malaria prophylactics are recommended. Yellow fever certificates are required if you are travelling from an infected area. Medical insurance, including medevac, is recommended. Safety: Zambia is known for friendliness and great hospitality but like anywhere in the world, especially where there is high unemployment, it is wise to remain vigilant at all times. Be aware of pick-pockets and thieves in the towns and cities. Do not leave your belongings unattended and when in public, and carry only the minimum amount of cash that you need. Always lock a vehicle and do not leave items visible in a parked vehicle. Money: The unit of currency is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW). Foreign currency (US dollars are best) can be changed into kwacha at banks and there are foreign exchange bureaus in most towns. Visa, and to a lesser extent MasterCard, are accepted by many tourist hotels and can also be used to draw local currency at ATMs in the major towns. Getting there: Emirates (www.emirates.com), Kenya Airways (www.kenya-airways.com), Ethiopian Airlines (www.ethiopianairlines.com), and South African Airways (www.flysaa.com) fly to Lusaka, linking Europe and USA via Dubai, Nairobi, Addis Ababa or Johannesburg/Cape Town. Getting around: Once in Lusaka, internal flights can connect you to most major destinations in Zambia (www. flyzambia.com). Local buses are cheap and frequent. There are also luxury coach services. Weather: Zambian weather is essentially divided between two seasons: the dry season from May to October, and the rainy season from November to April. May to August marks Zambia’s winter when it is warm and pleasant during the day and very cool at night. During this time it can be cold on game viewing vehicles in the early morning, especially on the plateau. September to November is a period of hot and dry weather- in the valleys, temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius. Around November or December, Zambia experiences intermittent showers and storms that usher in the rainy season, keeping the climate warm and humid through April.