Online Reporter
Beitbridge Bureau
TWO men from Beitbridge’s attempt to get rich quickly has landed them behind bars, after they were convicted and sentenced to nine years in prison for attempting to illegally sell a live pangolin, one of the world’s most endangered animals.
Pangolins are protected under international and national laws due to their rapidly declining population, primarily driven by illegal hunting and trafficking.
The animals are often targeted for their meat and scales, which are believed to have medicinal and cultural value in some parts of the world.
Andrew Kahlamezi (53) and Sakhile Ncube (45) were arrested on Tuesday during a sting operation conducted by detectives following a tip-off.
In a statement, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said investigators received intelligence that the suspects were offering a live pangolin for sale near the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) dam wall.
“Undercover police officers then posed as buyers and arranged a meeting with the pair,” said NPAZ.
“When the pair arrived in a Toyota Hiace, detectives watched as they produced the pangolin hidden in a black bag inside a crate.”
“They were then caught for attempting to sell the animal for R150 000.”
As soon as police officers identified themselves, the suspects tried to flee but were quickly apprehended.
A live female pangolin weighing 8,7 kilogrammes was recovered and handed over to veterinary officers for medical assessment and care.
Bongani Ndlovu