Murdered Parks Official Remembered For Anti-Poaching Efforts
Tanzanian Emily Kisamo’s killing came at a critical time during the fight against wildlife crime, say conservationists
In December, in the midst of Tanzania’s ongoing war against poaching, a man some describe as one of Africa’s finest wildlife defenders was murdered. Emily Stephen Kisamo, protection manager for Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), was found dead in the trunk of his car, his throat slit.
Initially, Kisamo’s family lawyer, Coleman Ngalo, told reporters that Kisamo’s death was ordered by poaching ringleaders, and several TANAPA employees expressed concerned about their own safety. But police have since reported that Kisamo’s gardener confessed to killing Kisamo in his house in order to steal his money. At last report, three others, including Kisamo’s wife, were being held in connection with the murder.
During his 28-year career with the park service, Emily
