Two 'rhino poachers' die after crashing into goat during high-speed escape from rangers

Two suspected rhino poachers have died after crashing into a goat while fleeing park rangers in Zimbabwe, according to local reports.

The collision last week occurred at Bubye Valley Conservancy, on the outskirts of the southern town of Beitbridge, near the border with South Africa.

Nehanda Radio, a Zimbabwean broadcaster, reported park rangers tracked the four poachers, leading to a high-speed chase which ended when the men’s car hit a goat and overturned.

Two of the suspected poachers survived – and were charged with hunting a protected animal – but Godfrey Makechemu and Charles Runye died of their injuries, according to the radio station.

Prosecutors said the men’s tracks indicated they were following a rhino, before fleeing in a Toyota Wish vehicle once they saw park rangers in pursuit.

"Acting on a tip-off, a police mobile unit saw the suspected poachers coming out of Bubye Valley Conservancy and heading towards a nearby Jopembe village and pursued them," prosecutor Misheck Guwanda said.

A rifle with telescopic sight was reportedly found at the scene of the collision.

James Mauto, 41, and Celestino Shate, 35, were remanded in custody on suspicion of poaching and are due to appear in court on 28 June.