The names of three suspected Zambian poachers who were shot dead by the anti poaching unit in Chobe National Park more than a month ago have been released.
Last week the bodies of the three deceased were repatriated to Zambia for burial by the next of kin after identification of the corpses which were kept at Kasane mortuary.
Interviewed by The Telegraph this week, detective superintendent Peloentle Morolong of the Criminal Investigating Department said three bodies of the Zambian nationals shot by the anti poaching had been identified and claimed by their families.
He said the bodies of David Kakoma Wango (39), Evans Sichachani (21) and Benn Mukisi (60) have been repatriated to their country.
Morolong said it was not that difficult to trace the whereabouts of the next of kin as the cell phones that were found in their possession assisted the investigators to trace the families.
He said elephant poaching around Chobe national park is very high and is a cause for concern.
Morolong added that Botswana, Namibia and Zambia have intensified patrols along the boundary lines which will probably reduce poaching.
After the three poachers were shot dead two mobile phones and 12 elephant tusks were recovered from their bodies.
Meanwhile the anti poaching unit is said to have been engaged in an exchange of fire with a band of four poachers this past Sunday. No casualties were reported.
