The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
POLICE in Chipinge this week arrested four people who were in possession of a pangolin.
Isaac Jenya (47) of Chipinge, Blessing Mlambo (28) of Majongwe Village, Chief Muusha, Chimanimani, Daniel Jokonya (45) of Singizi Village, Chief Mutema, Chipinge and Patience Mhlanga (38) of Gaza Township, were hauled before Chipinge magistrate, Mr Afred Chinembiri on Tuesday.
The quartet is facing charges of contravening Section 45(1)(b) of the Parks and Wildlife Act, Chapter 20:14.
They all pleaded not guilty.
Public prosecutor, Mrs Chipo Matanga told the court that on Sunday, a Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority game ranger received information that the four were in illegal possession of a pangolin in Southdowns and were heading towards Chipinge town.
“The accused persons were using a silver Honda Fit vehicle. A team of detectives and rangers from Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority was formed to react to the information,” she said.
Mrs Matanga said acting on the tip-off, the team went to Mahiri Turn-off in Chipinge and erected a roadblock.
“Upon arrival at Mahiri Turn-Off, detectives carried out surveillance around that area. They positively identified the Honda Fit parked just near the turn-off. The detectives approached the vehicle and identified themselves by producing their police identity cards. They advised the vehicle occupants on the nature of their inquiry.
“A search was conducted and a live pangolin was discovered hidden under the back seat uncovered. The accused persons were asked to produce any licence or permit allowing them to be in possession of the pangolin. They failed to produce any document and they were subsequently arrested,” she said.
The pangolin was taken to ZIMPOST Chipinge for weighing and it weighed 6,95 kilogrammes with a value of US$5 000.
The four accused persons were remanded in custody to May 22.
