Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
FIVE men accused of illegally hunting elephants and trafficking raw ivory have been remanded in custody after the State opposed bail at the Hwange Magistrates’ Court.
The accused persons-Felix Phiri (52), Panganai Imbiraishe Kutadzaushe (55), Namatani Lufu Ndlovu (42), Shepard Siwela (44), and Arnold Ndlovu (40) appeared before Provincial Magistrate Bentone Matope facing charges of unlawful possession of raw unmarked ivory and unlawful hunting under the Parks and Wildlife Act.
According to the state, on May 11, detectives from the CID Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit (MFFU) in Victoria Falls, working together with officials from the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, acted on a tip-off that two suspects were keeping ivory at a house in Empumalanga suburb, Hwange, while searching for a buyer.
Prosecutors led by Jemesina Erica Makanza allege that detectives proceeded to house number 1322 DRC in Empumalanga where they intercepted Felix Phiri and Panganai Kutadzaushe at the gate carrying a black suitcase.
A search reportedly led to the recovery of eight pieces of bloody raw unmarked ivory hidden inside the suitcase.
The court heard that the two men failed to produce permits authorising possession of the ivory, leading to their arrest.
Investigations allegedly linked the ivory to three other suspects – Namatani Ndlovu, Shepard Siwela and Arnold Ndlovu, who were later arrested near Empumalanga Business Centre after being implicated by the first two accused persons.
The state further alleges that indications made by the accused persons led detectives to Tsholotsho where two dehorned elephant carcasses were discovered.
Police also reportedly recovered an axe and a hacksaw containing dried elephant ivory fragments from Arnold Ndlovu’s residence.
The recovered tusks are valued at US$5 440, while the two elephants allegedly killed are valued at US$100 000.
In opposing bail, prosecutors told the court that some of the accused persons had previous convictions and pending wildlife-related cases.
The state said Namatani Ndlovu has a previous conviction under Victoria Falls CRB 577/17 and also has a pending appeal before the High Court, while Arnold Ndlovu allegedly has a previous conviction linked to elephant poisoning under Dete CRB DT162/14.
Prosecutors further argued that the accused persons were likely to abscond due to the seriousness of the offences and the possibility of lengthy mandatory prison sentences if convicted.
The State also expressed fears that witnesses could be interfered with and alleged that another suspect believed to be in possession of a firearm remains at large.
The accused persons were represented by lawyers Charity Manyeza for accused persons one and two, and Tiffany Sibanda for accused persons three to five from Mhaka Attorneys and Nkala and Company respectively.
Bail was denied and the five were remanded in custody to 27 May pending further investigations.
derick.khumalo