At least two men were killed while others escaped during a shootout between poachers and a government anti-poaching unit, comprising of the Botswana Defense Force and wildlife officers.
Information reaching Sunday Standard says two Zambian poachers, armed with AK47 rifles, were shot and killed by the anti poaching unit in Chobe while three managed to escape. The police believe that the poachers escaped to Zambia.
Last year, about 24 elephants were killed by poachers on separates days. In the first incident about 15 elephants were shot and, later, nine. 
┬áSome of the lodges and tour operators have been accused of playing a role in poaching in the country’s tourism haven.
Senior superintendent Kgotlaitsile Kgosintwa confirmed that the incident took place saying “this is a fresh matter and police investigations are still ongoing, therefore I cannot comment further on the issue”.
He said most of the poachers are suspected to be from neighbouring countries. 
The Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Wildlife, Alba Orapeleng, says “recently the anti-poaching unit shot dead two poachers in a shootout”.
He said it was too early to comment on the incident because investigations were continuing.
