The ManicaPost
Miriam Nyagura Post Correspondent
DETECTIVES in Mutare this week arrested three men — including two Mozambicans — for allegedly possessing seven pieces of ivory in Honde Valley.
Edmore Dhanda (43) and two unidentified Mozambicans were intercepted by members of Zimbabwe Republic Police Minerals Flora and Fauna Unit and failed to produce any document supporting the possession.
Although authorities from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) could not be reached, police said the unsuspecting trio was nabbed at a homestead in Manyumwa Village in Chief Mutasa’s area following a tip off.
Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa said he was yet to get finer details of the matter.
Globally, several species of elephants in Africa are on the verge of extinction and this has prompted the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species to unanimously agree on an up-listing of all elephants’ species from Appendix one to three which is a total ban on the elephant trade in Africa and abroad.
Zimbabwe also has one of the strictest laws against elephants poaching in Africa under the Parks and Wildlife Management Act. Illegal dealing or possession of the specially protected animals attracts a minimum prison sentence of up to 10 years behind bars.
