By Arnold Tutu
A wildlife police officer has died after being attacked by a rhino while on duty in the Lusaka National Park.
The incident has been confirmed by Ministry of Tourism Principal Public Relations Officer NELLY BANDA.
Ms. BANDA said the officer, identified as ELIJAH KAYAYA, aged 28, was a member of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife –DNWL and was fatally injured on January 26, 2026 during a routine wildlife protection operation.
She explained that Mr. KAYAYA and a colleague were herding white rhinos to safety when a female rhino suddenly charged.
The officer was rushed to Chilenje Level One Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Ms. BANDA described the death as a deeply tragic loss and paid tribute to Officer KAYAYA’s bravery and commitment to duty.
She said his passing served as a stark reminder of the dangers faced daily by wildlife police officers working in close proximity to wild animals.
Meanwhile, Ms. BANDA has condemned a brazen armed poaching attack in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, where another wildlife police officer narrowly escaped death during a patrol.
She said the incident occurred in the early hours of 26 January 2026, when the officer encountered two suspected poachers in the upper section of the park.
The suspects were armed with a military-grade AK-47 rifle and a shotgun.
According to Ms. BANDA, the suspects opened fire with clear intent to kill adding that the officer followed operational procedures and survived the attack without injury.
She said the use of high-calibre, military-style weapons pointed to a well-organised and possibly trained criminal group, posing a serious threat to wildlife protection efforts and national security.
Ms. BANDA said the incident marked the second attempted poaching of white rhinos in Livingstone in less than two months, raising concern over continued threats to one of Zambia’s most endangered species.
She praised Wildlife Police Officer SYLVESTER NG’ANDWE for his courage and composure under fire, crediting his actions with preventing a potentially fatal outcome.
Ms. BANDA further said security agencies, including the Zambia Police Service, have launched a manhunt for the suspects.
