The government has confirmed the deaths of six conservation officers in an incident in Sikonge District, Tabora Region, with 34 people being held as police investigate the circumstances surrounding the killings.
The incident occurred on September 18 in the Ipole Wildlife Management Area while the officers were carrying out their duties to protect wildlife and other natural resources, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Ashatu Kijaji said on Tuesday.
Five other people were injured in the incident, according to Dr Kijaji.
Speaking to journalists in Dodoma, the minister said police, working with other security agencies, were investigating the cause of the incident, the circumstances surrounding the deaths and those responsible.
“So far, 34 people are being held to assist with the investigation,” she said.
Dr Kijaji did not disclose the identities of those detained or indicate whether they had been formally charged, saying investigations were still underway.
The minister also issued an update on the deaths of wildlife in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Arusha Region, another incident reported on September 18.
She said preliminary investigations had confirmed the deaths of 11 lions and two hyenas.
“Preliminary investigations have also established that some of the carcasses had injuries,” Dr Kijaji said, adding that further investigations were continuing.
The government has not yet established publicly what caused the deaths of the animals or whether the two incidents were connected.
Dr Kijaji said the government would take measures to improve the working environment and safety of personnel involved in protecting the country's natural resources.
She also called for stronger cooperation between conservation authorities and communities living around protected areas.
“Sustainable conservation cannot be achieved without the cooperation of communities living near protected areas,” she said.
The minister said the government would strengthen communication and community engagement while addressing challenges and conflicts through peaceful means and in accordance with the law.
The investigations into both the deaths of the conservation officers in Tabora and the wildlife deaths in Ngorongoro are continuing.