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Abel Zhakata
Post Correspondent
A 52-YEAR-OLD Nyanga man will spend the next nine years behind bars after he was found guilty of possessing a pangolin in breach of the Parks and Wildlife Act.
Wilson Chitofu from Kadyamukonde Village under Chief Saunyama pleaded guilty to the offence when he appeared before Mutare magistrate, Ms Perseverance Makala early this week.
It was the State’s case, led by Mr Talent Nyamuzuve, that detectives from the Minerals, Fauna and Flora Unit in Mutare on Monday received information to the effect that Chitofu was in possession of a pangolin at Kazozo Business Centre in Nyanga.
They heard that Chitofu was looking for a buyer.
“Police detectives on Monday went to Kazozo Business Centre in an effort to recover the pangolin and arrest Chitofu. One of the detectives was communicating with Chitofu, posing as a buyer.
“They agreed to meet near Kazozo Business Centre. The detective met Chitofu and they agreed to seal the deal at a spot about 300 metres away from the centre. Chitofu went to collect the pangolin and returned holding a yellow container,” said Mr Nyamuzuve.
Chitofu was subsequently arrested after detectives discovered that there was a pangolin in the container.
During interrogations, Chitofu said he got the pangolin from Fombe area under Chief Katerere in Nyanga.
He has no permit or licence authorising him to deal in wildlife.
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