Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Two people were arrested in Chinhoyi on Friday while trying to sell an elephant hide for US$1 500, reported NewZimbabwe.com.
The suspects, Trymore Muzezewa (47) of Chief Dandawa in Hurungwe and Hopelight Gumbo (36) of Greenwood Terrace, Mzari in Chinhoyi, appeared before Chinhoyi Magistrate Rumbidzai Chuma on Saturday and were remanded in custody to Monday, 11 September for bail ruling.
Muzezewa and Gumbo are facing charges of contravening section 59(2)(b) of the Parks and Wildlife Act chapter 20:14 that pertains to unlawful hunting, possession or dealing in animals or their parts.
Prosecutor Irene Mapfumo told the Court that on 08 September 2023 at around 2 PM, detectives on deployment in Mzari suburb were informed that Muzezewa was in possession of an elephant skin, which he intended to sell.
The detectives contacted Muzezewa purporting to be prospective buyers and convinced him to sell the elephant skin to them for US$1 500.
Muzezewa allegedly brought the contraband along Greenwood Terrace. However, when detectives identified themselves, he tried to run away but the cops caught up with him and apprehended him leading to recovery of the hide.
Upon interrogation, Muzezewa allegedly implicated his female co-accused as the owner of the article.
Gumbo who was in the vicinity was tracked and arrested.
Both the accused failed to produce a permit authorising them to deal in the elephant hide.
When they appeared in court on Saturday, a Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZimParks) ecologist was yet to establish the value of the recovered property.
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