Two suspected poachers have been shot dead in a shootout with Zimbabwe rangers, near the Kazungula border post in Matabeleland North province.

Three other suspects were arrested and one of them managed to escape during Tuesday's incident, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) spokesperson, Tinashe Farawo, posted on X (formerly Twitter).

“We have recovered about 15 tusks of elephants, a point 375 rifle and five rounds of ammunition," Mr Farawo said, adding that investigations were in progress.

The incident comes barely two months after six elephants were killed by poisoning before their tusks were removed by suspected poachers in Shangani Wildlife Conservancy, which is close to Hwange National Park.

Wildlife conservationists have called for stiffer poaching regulations in Zimbabwe.