Soldier, poacher killed in rhino hotspot shootout
Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Soldier, poacher killed
BDF media statement said there was shootout at around 3am at Chiefs Island between a BDF patrol team and poachers that resulted in the loss of two lives.
"The Botswana Defence Force focusing on anti-poaching operations, sadly informs the public about an incident that occurred this morning (Wednesday) at around 0300 hrs at Chiefs Island in the Ngami Area whereby there was an exchange of fire between a BDF patrol team and poachers, which resulted in the death of a BDF member and one poacher," said the statement.
Instead, it has sparked a storm of accusations, denials, and unresolved questions about the influence of De Beers on the nation’s politics. Former president Mokgweetsi Masisi’s claims that the diamond giants bankrolled his removal to dodge taxes – and that the new Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) government watered down a favourable diamond deal – are explosive matters. But without evidence, they risk becoming a toxic distraction from...