The ManicaPost
Chipinge Correspondent —
POSSESSING two python skins landed a Chipinge man in trouble. Luke Masikati of Rugare Village under Chief Musikavanhu’s area pleaded not guilty when he appeared before Chipinge magistrate, Mrs Sharon Chipanga.Masikati was facing charges of contravening Section 45 of the Parks and Wild Life Act, Chapter 20:14 as read with General Amendment Section 5 of 2011, possession of specially protected animal and product.
In denying the charges, he told the court that after the death of his father he was ordered by the family elders to keep the skins for his elder brother who was on tour of duty in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
‘’Your Worship, I was advised by family members to keep the skins and later hand them over to my elder brother when he returns from the DRC war.
“My brother is the one who was nominated by our ancestors to inherit the skins,’’ said Masikati.
Prosecuting, Mr Witness Nyamundaya told the court that on August 5 at around 8pm, Kizito Tavaya, a Detective Sergeant with the Criminal Investigation Department was in the company of Constable Rukweza, Mukodza and Ncube who received information to the effect that there were people with mbanje at Masikati’s residence.
“They proceeded to the accused person’s homestead where they found him present and identified themselves. The police officers explained to the accused the purpose of their visit and requested to contact a search to which Masikati agreed.
“While contacting the search, Cst Rukweza recovered two python skins which were in a sack leading to Masikati’s arrest,” said Mr Nyamundaya.
Mrs Chipanga remanded Masikati in custody to yesterday for sentencing.
