GOVERNMENT CONDEMNS KILLING OF SIX CONSERVATION OFFICERS, WILDLIFE DEATHS IN NGORONGORO



DAR ES SALAAM: 

The Government has expressed concern over the killing of six conservation officers in the Ipole area, Sikonge District, Tabora Region, where local residents are alleged to have attacked the officers.

The Government has also expressed concern over the deaths of 13 wild animals, including 11 lions and two hyenas, in the Ndutu area of Ngorongoro District, Arusha Region.

The Government said the incidents could affect efforts to promote and develop the tourism sector in the country.

Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ashatu Kijaji, said the Government would continue conducting investigations in collaboration with security and law enforcement agencies to establish the causes of the incidents and take legal action against those found responsible.

Commenting on the Ipole incident, Minister Kijaji said it occurred on September 18, 2026, resulting in the deaths of six officers.

Those who died in the incident were Gift Elihaika, a Grade II Conservation Ranger from TAWA; Praygord Lalyo, a Wildlife Officer in Sikonge; Robert Msabaha and Daniel Mshama, Wildlife Rangers in Ipole; James Maganga Kisamba, a driver at Ipole; and Mateo Damas, an Ipole vehicle mechanic.

The Minister said five other officers were injured in the incident. They are Joseph Mwaipola, Paul Mshana, Richard Malongo, Will Jones Kafupa and Victor Mengo.

She said one of the injured officers is still receiving medical treatment, while the other four have been discharged after receiving treatment.

According to Minister Kijaji, the incident also resulted in property damage, including one vehicle that was set on fire and another that was damaged.

She added that one firearm, tents and a generator were also set on fire during the incident.

The Minister said the Police Force has so far arrested 34 people in connection with the incident, as investigations continue to establish the cause and those responsible.

Commenting on the second incident, which occurred in the Ndutu area of Ngorongoro District, Minister Kijaji said a total of 13 wild animals had died, including 11 lions and two hyenas.

She said preliminary investigations had revealed injuries on the carcasses of the animals.

According to the Minister, samples have been collected and sent for detailed laboratory and technical analysis to establish the actual cause of the deaths.

The Government stressed that it would not draw conclusions regarding the cause of the incidents before investigations by the relevant authorities and experts are completed.

Minister Kijaji said strict legal action would be taken against anyone found to have violated the law in connection with the incidents.

She stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between the Government, conservation institutions and communities living around protected areas, noting that conflicts should be resolved peacefully and in accordance with the law.

The Government also urged members of the public and stakeholders to refrain from circulating unverified information and instead wait for official updates from the security and law enforcement agencies conducting the investigations.

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