Five held over British pilot murder

MARC NKWAME in Arusha

FIVE suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the incident in which a British Pilot, Roger Gower (37), was killed after gangsters gunned down a helicopter that was patrolling the Maswa Game Reserve over the weekend.

Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Prof Jumanne Maghembe said here yesterday that the suspects were cooperating with security organs and soon more people making up the poaching syndicate will be brought to justice.

Apparently it is the first time that an incident like this is reported in Tanzania. Prof Maghembe added that, it was high time major operations were conducted in National Parks and Game Reserves especially those located in areas bordering villages as some poachers may pose as residents.

The late Roger Gower who had come to Tanzania about seven years ago was piloting the chopper 5HFGF sent out on a mission to track the criminals who had reportedly killed three elephants.

The culprits reportedly fired on his aircraft belonging to the Friedkin Conservation Fund as it flew over the Meatu District in Simiyu Region bordering Serengeti National Park.

His co-pilot, Mr Nicky Bester was badly injured in the incident and early reports indicated that he managed to jump from the craft, mid-air following the explosion.

The Public Relations Manager for Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), Mr Paschal Shelutete, said that three elephant carcasses were found; indicating that whoever shot the chopper down was on a serious illegal hunting spree.

Mr Shelutete added that the incident was a clear evidence of the heavily armed poachers the government is dealing with, calling for concerted effort from the public in revealing the culprits.

“These people who are heavily armed with sophisticated military weaponry killing elephants in our conservation areas live in the neighbourhood, those with information should come forward. We all need to work together to end the killings of elephants and people fighting poaching,” he explained.

In a message posted on its website, founder Mr Dan Friedkin said the organization was “profoundly saddened by the loss of our dear friend,” he said, adding that “Roger was killed while piloting a helicopter during a coordinated effort with the Tanzanian wildlife authorities to track down and arrest active elephant poachers.

In the course of this action the poachers fired upon the helicopter and Roger was fatally wounded. Friedkin assured that his organization was committed to honouring Roger and his work.

“We are also committed to ensuring that those responsible for this attack are found and brought to justice and believe that Roger can best be honoured by redoubling our commitment to protect elephants and our priceless wildlife heritage.