High Court Orders ZRP Withdrawal from Rengwe Conse...

High Court Orders ZRP Withdrawal from Rengwe Conservancy

Oscar J Jeke- Zim Now Reporter

The High Court has issued a provisional order compelling the Zimbabwe Republic Police to withdraw all its personnel from Rengwe Conservancy, paving the way for Cubs Den Consolidated (Pvt) Ltd to resume operations in the wildlife-rich area.

The order, granted on 22 August 2025 by Justice Wamambo, followed an urgent application by Cubs Den Consolidated against the police, the Environmental Management Agency, and several government ministries.

The applicant argued that the police presence had unlawfully disrupted its operations.

Former independent legislator Temba Mliswa, who is linked to the conservancy, welcomed the ruling, describing it as a reaffirmation of constitutionalism and the rule of law.

“This development reaffirms our status as a constitutional country. This ruling empowers us to persist in our endeavors, fortified by the understanding that any party, person, or entity can be brought before the courts for justice,” Mliswa said.

He added that the conservancy’s goal remains the creation of a sustainable ecosystem that will allow the return of wildlife and attract tourism, particularly hunting, with the aim of driving both local and national economic benefits.

Mliswa also hinted at possible legal action against the ZRP for losses incurred, citing past instances where, he alleged, state security structures were abused for personal interests.

The respondents — including the Provincial Commissioner of Police for Mashonaland West, the Commissioner General of Police, and the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife — have 10 days to oppose the confirmation of the order.

Rengwe Conservancy is a wildlife and environmental protection area spanning the Hurungwe, Gokwe North, and Nyaminyami districts, and is incorporated into the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area.