Two men were convicted and sentenced by the Kariba Magistrates Court on multiple counts of unlawful entry related to a series of thefts targeting tourists at a safari camp in the Mana Pools National Park region. Ephraim Maronga, 45, and Clayton Kapesa, 44, each received a five-year prison sentence following their conviction.
According to information presented in court, both men were found guilty of nine counts of unlawful entry in aggravated circumstances. The charges were connected to incidents at Vundu Bush Safari, a camp situated within the protected wildlife area.
Court proceedings detailed how visitors at the camp were targeted for high-value personal belongings. The court heard that items reported stolen included cameras and cash. One of the incidents presented as evidence during the trial was reported to have occurred on September 10.
The convictions follow an investigation into thefts within the popular tourist destination. Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in northern Zimbabwe along the Zambezi River, is known for its abundant wildlife and attracts visitors for safaris and wilderness tours. The legal proceedings concluded with the sentencing of Maronga and Kapesa by the magistrate. No further details from the court proceedings were made publicly available.
