Prince William shares his condolence for African wildlife ranger who was ‘killed by poachers’

The Prince of Wales has shared his condolences for an African ranger who was “killed by armed poachers” in a rare personal tweet.

Prince William, 40, took to the Twitter account he shares with the Princess of Wales, also 40, tonight to call for the “perpetrators to be brought to justice.”

He explained that his thoughts are with ‘the loved ones of Charles Okawa’, after the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) ranger was shot dead by armed poachers while on duty in the Valley Conservation Area. of Kidepo, according to local media reports.

Signing himself with the letter ‘W’, to indicate the personal nature of the post, the father of three, who is a keen conservationist, said ‘these senseless killings must stop’.

William’s tweet read: “It is devastating to hear the news that another ranger has lost his life while bravely doing his job to protect Africa’s wildlife.”

My thoughts are with the loved ones of Charles Okawa. The perpetrators must be brought to justice and these senseless killings must stop. W’.

Local media said a UWA statement reported the incident occurred Monday night while the ranger and eleven of his colleagues were patrolling the park.

They returned fire, reportedly resulting in a “heavy exchange of fire” between the rangers and poachers.

‘Unfortunately, [Okawa] he was shot dead by the enemy during the exchange. His colleague was injured and he is receiving treatment at Yotkom medical hospital in Kitgum city,” UWA said in a statement.

It was further reported that a poacher was “out of action” and a weapon was recovered. Three others were said to have fled the scene.

UWA chief executive Sam Mwandha told The Nile Post: ‘This is a huge loss for the UWA. We have recorded a tremendous increase in the population of key wildlife species thanks to dedicated staff like Okawa.

“Losing him is sad. He risked his life for our wildlife to be safe,” Mwandha added.

Okawa worked with UWA for 14 years, joining in 2008.

Earlier today, the Prince of Wales praised the “vital work” of a homeless charity he patronizes in helping people off the streets while encouraging people to support them.

Prince William appeared in a video message for charity The Passage, which was posted to Twitter on ICAP’s 30th Charity Day.

Each year, ICAP Charity Day features and supports select charities around the world, and this year, the homeless charity has featured on its charities.

Speaking in the video, the Prince of Wales, who made headlines earlier this year for going undercover and working as a salesman for The Big Issue by day, said he had seen “firsthand” how The Passage works to end homelessness on the streets.

He said: ‘The Passage’s vision is a society where the homeless on the streets no longer exist and where everyone has a place to call home.

‘They treat those who come to their door with kindness, compassion and dignity.

‘They provide practical and emotional support and allow people to find a way to get off the streets and back into society. It is a mission that has never been more important.

William went on to express his gratitude to ICAP’s Charity Day for supporting The Passage, after it has raised more than £155 million for charities around the world since 1993.

He explained how The Passage helps people avoid homelessness in the first place, but also helps the homeless find “safe and secure housing, as well as routes to employment.”

Prince William became a patron of The Passage in February 2019, after first visiting the charity in 1993 as a child with his mother, Princess Diana.

The Passage website claims that, following his first visit, the Prince of Wales returned to the charity several times, both on official engagements and privately to help out.

Last year, William spoke at an official event celebrating the charity’s 40th birthday, addressing those in attendance.

He said: ‘Over the many years I have visited The Passage, first with my mother when I was just a little boy, I have developed a great affection for all of you.

‘Every time I come here, I am touched by the warmth and kindness, and the dignity and respect that you show everyone who walks through your door.’

This summer, Prince William made headlines after royal fans saw through his disguise when he became a salesman for The Big Issue magazine for the day, a publication that works to end homelessness.

The father-of-three traded in his usual suit and tie for a red waistcoat and cap while going undercover as a Big Issue salesman on the streets of London.

Passersby who recognized the king praised his “silent gesture” of charity, which many thought showed his “humble” side.

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