Wildlife head axed over missing rhino horns

The head of Zimbabwe's wildlife authority has been fired following the disappearance of rhino horns worth $3m two years ago. Edson Chidziya was suspended on full pay last year after he was accused of failing to alert the police when it was discovered that the horns were missing. The Sunday Mail reports that ZimParks chairman Tichafa Mundangepfupfu confirmed his dismissal and said the Economic Crimes unit is investigating the missing horns ‘and we are expecting to go to court soon’. The authorities have a stash of more than 4 000 confiscated rhino horns at its headquarters. There are periodic calls for Zimbabwe to be allowed to sell off its horn. That move is opposed by those who feel it would fuel the trade in rhino horns.