Police holds 34 people suspected involved in killing six workers of Ipole Wildlife Conservation
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Dr Ashatu Kijaji says 34 people are being held to assist with investigations into an incident that resulted in the deaths of six conservation workers in the Ipole Wildlife Management Area in Sikonge District, Tabora Region.
The workers were killed on September 18, 2026, in an incident reportedly involving a group of livestock keepers who allegedly stormed a patrol camp at Iswagala Wildlife Reserve in Itimile Village, Sikonge District.
Those killed in the attack were Gift Elihaika, a second-grade conservation officer with Rukwa Game Reserve under the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA); Praygod Lyalo, Sikonge District Wildlife Officer; Robert Msabaha and Daniel Mshama, wildlife officers with the Ipole Wildlife Management Area; James Maganga Kisamba, a driver; and Matheo Damas, a vehicle mechanic.
Dr Kijaji said five other workers were injured in the incident.
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They include Joseph Mwaipola, a senior conservation officer from Ugalla Game Reserve under TAWA; Paul Mshana, Sikonge District Beekeeping Officer; and Richard Malongo, Wiljohns Kafupa and Victor Mengo, all employees of the Ipole Wildlife Management Area.
The minister said one of the injured workers remains under medical care, while the other four have been discharged and returned home.
In a separate development, Dr Kijaji said investigations are continuing into the deaths of 11 lions and two hyenas found dead in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area after some of the animals’ carcasses were found to have injuries.
