adminTendai Gukutikwa
TRYING to sell a pangolin to an undercover Parks and Wildlife Management Authority Investigations officer backfired for two Chipinge men after they were arrested in connection with the offence. Paul Chauke(45) and Phillimon Maibvise (47)denied the charges of contravening Section 45(1) (b) of The Parks and Wildlife Act, Chapter 20:14, which makes it illegal for a person to be found in possession, sell or dispose of any live specially protected animal or the meat of any such animal.
They were granted $150 bail each. Mutare magistrate, Ms Anniah Ndiraya presided over the matter.
Mr Farai Matinhure of Gonese and Ndlovu Legal Practitioners represented the duo while Mr Fletcher Karombe prosecuted. Allegations were that the investigations officer, Jephta Saungweme received a tip off that the duo was in possession of a pangolin.“Saungweme purported to be a pangolin buyer and contacted Maibvise who requested for them to meet at Chisumbanje where the protected animal was kept. Upon meeting, Chauke and Maibvise allegedly put the pangolin which was in a sack in Saungweme’s car and agreed on receiving payment at Checheche Growth Point where Saungweme claimed to have left his money,” said Mr Karombe.
The duo was arrested on their way to the growth point after detectives who had been informed by Saungweme intercepted them. The pangolin is valued at $5 000 and was recovered. Chauke and Maibvise were ordered to reside at their given addresses, not to interfere with witnesses and report at their nearest police station every Friday.
Online Reporter