Infamous Hurungwe criminal Clifford Mukobo was finally shot and arrested by game rangers in the Rengwe Conservancy on Friday after a wild chase.

Widely known in the Mash West area for his criminal activities which have included drug running, illegal gold dealing and armed robbery Mukobo was already wanted by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) over a raft of cases.

According to reports from the Conservancy, run by Cubsden Consolidated, Mukobo and some accomplices attacked the patrolling rangers before they were overwhelmed.

He was subsequently shot in the leg when he tried to escape.

His other accomplice who was identified Casper Manyembere is still on the run.

Mukobo was recently reported to have attacked another Rengwe Conservancy employee who is currently in hospital with critical injuries.

An official with the Conservancy, which has been rehabilitating the Sanyati river under a government sanctioned project, said the gang had become a menace.

“These people have been allegedly operating in the Conservancy with the blessing of the local Chief Dandawa.

“So it is very difficult to control them.

“They have repeatedly invaded areas which are being rehabilitated and disrupted operations as they conduct gold panning.

“Mukobo himself has actually built a drug den which sells drugs to illegal gold panners operating in the area.

“We have engaged the police multiple times but the success against these criminals has been minimal,” he said.

A comment was not available from the Mash West ZRP spokesperson Inspector Clemence Mabweazara or the National spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi.