Two Suspects Arrested in the Death of Dexter Chilunda, Head of Law Enforcement at Liuwa Plain National Park, Zambia

Two men have been arrested in connection with the killing of Dexter Chilunda, the head of law enforcement at Liuwa Plain National Park. Dexter was shot by suspected poachers while investigating gunshots heard by park rangers in the park on Friday, 23 May 2014.

The men were apprehended in the town of Lukulu, 35 kilometres from the park on Sunday, 1 June 2014, and are to appear in court at a date that has not yet been established.

The arrests resulted from the combined efforts of the Zambian police, ZAWA and five Liuwa Plain law enforcement officers following leads by supportive local communities who were devastated by his death.

An experienced ranger and law enforcement officer with more than 20 years’ experience, Dexter Chilunda was on secondment to Liuwa Plain National Park from ZAWA. He was buried on Monday 26 May in Kaomo (250 kms from Liuwa). He leaves a wife and seven children who will be financially provided for in terms of a life insurance policy put in place by African Parks.

"The combined efforts of the Zambian police, ZAWA and the Liuwa Plain law enforcement unit that resulted in the arrests are to be commended, said African Parks CEO, Peter Fearnhead. "In addition, we are appreciative of the overwhelming support from local communities who assisted the investigating team. The arrests also send a strong warning message to poachers about the consequences of their activities.”