Three Tanzanian game rangers, six farmers and a village leader were on Friday charged with invading the Kilombero game-controlled area, posing a threat to wildlife, endemic species and water catchments areas.

A statement issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Biswalo Mganga, in the capital Dodoma said the three-game rangers and the village leader helped the six farmers to undertake commercial paddy cultivation in the protected area.

"The Kilombero game controlled area is a crucial habitat for wildlife and is a major source of water for the Kilombero River that flows to the Rufiji River basin," said the statement.

The statement said the six farmers bribed the three-game rangers and the village chairman to gain access to the game protected area between 2013 and 2020.

The statement said the government will continue taking punitive measures against people who invade national parks, game reserves and protected areas.