Poaching and illegal coal mining threaten the future of Matabeleland's elephant population. Nokuthaba Mathema investigates Ivory stockpile: The elephant herds of Matabeleland are primary targets of ‘sponsored poaching’ with the collusion of state officials, says one expert. Photo: AP/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi In the shadows of Zimbabwe’s environmental management lies a devastating truth: environmental crimes, such as poaching, illegal wildlife trade and illicit coal mining continue to afflict Zimbabwe’s Matabeleland province in the south-west of the country. In May this year, a tip-off by locals ended in one death, two arrests and the discovery of endangered animal parts. Detectives from the Crime Investigation Department confronted three alleged poachers on the outskirts of the capital city, Bulawayo, on May 18 – Jabulani Chamiti (34), Philani Ndlovu (23) and Cosmas Sebele (56). They shot and killed Chamiti after he tried to run over one of the law enforcement agents in the trio’s getaway car, and arrested Ndlovu and Sebele. They were charged with illegal possession of five pieces of elephant tusk and a pangolin skin, and are set to appear in court soon. Less than 20km away, disused and uncovered mines belonging to Hwange Colliery have become hotspots for illegal mining. Not only do they wreak havoc on land and livelihoods, but also pose a significant threat to the natural habitats of elephants. These stories shine a spotlight on the urgent need for increased vigilance and stronger regulations to protect Zimbabwe's natural heritage, experts say.