A suspected poacher in Gwayi, Matabeleland North province, allegedly drank a poisonous substance on his way to Dete Police Station and later died while in custody.
The incident was confirmed on Friday by Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson Inspector Siphiwe Makonese.
Insp Makonese, however, declined to reveal the deceased’s identity, saying his next of kin were yet to be informed. She said:
We are not sure when the man drank the killing substance, but he did not drink it in police custody.
The man could have drunk the substance on their way to the police station and we are not sure when he consumed it, as others escaped.
He died as soon as the officers arrived with him at the police station.
However, the NewsDay cites its source as having said that the suspect gulped down cyanide after police officers told him to stay close to his exhibits.
The suspected poacher was among other suspects who were arrested on May 27 by police and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) rangers.
Some of the suspects escaped from police custody while being led to the police station and the officers remained with the now deceased.
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