Tanzania police arrested more suspects over the death of a British helicopter pilot. The said pilot was on a mission of tracking elephant poachers and is working for the Friedkin Conservation Fund.
According to Yahoo News, the commander of the Simiyu regional police said, they are detaining nine suspects with the connections over the death of Roger Gower, the British pilot who was shot and killed. Gower was working under the Tanzanian wildlife authorities. The victim died on the 29th of January at the Maswa Wildlife reserve, nearby the Serengeti National Park.
The official also added, some of the suspects arrested knew the gunman. Three elephant tusks and 29 firearms were recovered while arresting the said suspects involves on Gower's death. BBC News reported, Friedkin Conservation Fund suggested that more arrests could follow. The Texas-based also said suspected gunman and accomplices members of a network providing illegal weapons and smuggling ivory are among those who have been arrested. Tanzania has been identified as a key hotspot for elephant poachers.
Dan Friedkin, the group's chairman said, "We are confident that the Tanzanian authorities will investigate and prosecute those involved to the absolute full extent of the law. By bringing these individuals to justice, it will honour Roger's memory," he added.
The 37 year old British pilot became a licensed pilot in 2004 and headed to Africa around two years ago, his previous employer Tropic Air Kenya profile says. According to the Daily Mail, he has a brother named Max. His brother sad he was proud of his Gower. His brother quit being an accountant so that he could enjoy his two favorite hobbies, "flying and animals". Gower became an active member of Friedkin Conservation Fund fighting to protect elephants and our wildlife heritage.
Gower's family has also invited donations to a fund established in Roger's memory and his efforts that will contribute towards anti-poaching efforts in Tanzania.
