Wildlife crimes recorded in 2023 in the province of Tete, in central Mozambique, cost the state more than 135 million meticals. According to the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC), civil servants are among those who facilitate this type of crime.
“There are more and more cases of wildlife crime in the country, which lead to the death of various animals. The elephant, for example, is the most affected. Last year, 24 ivory horns were seized and 12 elephants were killed,” explained SERNIC spokesman Fernando Júnior.
According to the source, a total of 21 individuals have been indicted for offences related to the killing of prohibited species, the extraction of organs and attempted trade.
“SERNIC is working to discourage this type of crime. Animal horns, skin and other related organs have been the focus of poachers,” he added.