25 Mar 2025

The District Forestry and Range Resources officer for Central, Ms Gofetangmang Phunyuka, says issuance  of harvesting permits for Mophane worm is on-going.

In an interview with BOPA on Monday, Ms Phunyuka said it was reported that Tshimoyapula local leaders had identified some unjustifiable harvesting practices in some areas of Tshimoyapula lands and cattle posts where harvesters had turned out in large numbers.

She said the worm was now growing and the people were cooperating compared to last week. Ms Phunyuka said they were concerned about battering  where people were exchanging Mophane for alcohol and clothes.

She said some Batswana also had a tendency of harbouring illegal immigrants to harvest phane for them. She said they caught one lady who hired 127 Zimbabweans to harvest phane for her and also one engaged 60 Zimbabweans.

She said they had engaged law enforcement officers to assist them with those who were selling illegal traditional alcohol and drugs at the areas.  

Mr Kennedy Mathathe of the Department of Forestry and Range Resources who made check-ups on areas around Tshimoyapula, said the department was facing challenges of illegal harvesting of the Mophane worm and environmental pollution at harvesting sites.

During their visit, Phane harvesters were spotted in different locations in the Tshimoyapula lands and cattle posts. Most of them were from Tswapong areas, Phikwe, Mahalapye, Topisi, Serule and North East. Zimbabweans were also found there.

“It was surprising to find out that Mophane worm harvesters braved torrential rains and elephants in Tshimoyapula in search of the profitable worm,” he said. ENDS