Ivory Trafficking Network Dismantled in Gaza Province

In early March 2025, local authorities launched an operation that led to the dismantling of a criminal network involved in the mass poaching of elephants and illegal ivory trafficking, with operations stretching from Chicualacuala to Maputo.

The investigation began in Massingir District, Gaza Province, following intelligence indicating the involvement of suspects in the killing of elephants inside Limpopo National Park. This led to the arrest of one individual directly linked to the activity.

The following day, authorities received further intelligence about a Mozambican national operating in Mabalane District, allegedly engaged in the buying and selling of cowhides — a front used to facilitate the trafficking of ivory. Investigations revealed that the suspect was active in the districts of Massingir, Mabalane, Mapai, and Chicualacuala, and had previously been seen in Massingir selling 'capulanas' and second-hand clothing.

Undercover agents then contacted the suspect posing as cowhide buyers. The meeting, which took place in Mabalane, confirmed that the individual had strong ties to poaching and the possession, purchase, and sale of wildlife products.

Further intelligence indicated the suspect was in possession of ivory tusks and was collaborating with other individuals based in Chicualacuala. Operational actions were then carried out in both Mabalane and Chicualacuala Districts and these efforts resulted in the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of 157 kilograms of ivory, corresponding to ten tusks.

Authorities have determined that this is part of a larger criminal network operating from Chicualacuala to Maputo and from Zambézia to Maputo, primarily trafficking ivory, rhino horn, and pangolins. To conceal their illegal activities, the traffickers pose as clothing vendors and cowhide traders — a cover that also facilitates the transportation of illegal wildlife products across land borders.

Alarmingly, the investigation also uncovered that the suspects not only use firearms for hunting in protected areas such as Limpopo Reserve and Kruger National Park (South Africa), but also poison waterholes to kill wildlife and extract trophies.

This operation marks a significant step forward in the fight against wildlife trafficking in Mozambique and highlights the urgent need for continued surveillance, cross-border cooperation, and strengthened enforcement to dismantle organized wildlife crime networks.