Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Mutare Bureau
A WATSOMBA man and his son have appeared in court after they were allegedly caught trying to sell two live pangolins to undercover detectives in Mutare.
Abraham Chaukura (Snr) and his son Abraham (Jnr) were arrested on November 13 after detectives from the Mutare Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit (MFFU) set a trap following a tip-off.
They have since appeared before Mutare magistrate Mr Honest Musiiwa.
Prosecutor Mr Brighton Chiromo told the court that detectives acted on information indicating the two were seeking buyers for the endangered animals and had been spotted at Watsomba Shopping Centre with the pangolins.
“Detective Sergeant Tavonga Zhou and Detective Sergeant Alwis Zviti began communicating with the older Chaukura after obtaining his mobile number.
They contacted Chaukura pretending to be a prospective buyer and convinced him to travel to Mutare with the pangolins. Around 5pm on the same day, he allegedly called back, informing the detective that they had arrived and were waiting at St Dominic’s High School.
“Detectives immediately proceeded to the location and approached Chaukura, inviting him into their vehicle to negotiate the supposed deal. After the two sides agreed on the terms, the older Chaukura reportedly called his son to bring the animals,” said Mr Chiromo.
The court was also told that the younger Chaukura arrived carrying a black satchel which had a 50kg sack hidden inside.
The sack contained the two pangolins.
“The younger accused opened the satchel and showed the officers two live pangolins they intended to sell. At that point, the detectives identified themselves and placed both men under arrest,” Mr Chiromo said.
He stressed that the two had no legal right to possess pangolins or trade in them.
“This is a protected species, and no person is allowed to handle, keep or sell a pangolin without express authority from the relevant Minister. Offences of this nature continue to threaten wildlife conservation efforts, and the State takes them very seriously,” the prosecutor told the court.
He told the court that both men failed to produce any permits.
“They had no licence, no documents, and no explanation for why they were in possession of the animals. Their intention was purely to trade them illegally,” he said.
The pangolins were recovered alive and handed over to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.
Prosecutor Chiromo asked the court to treat the matter with the gravity it deserves, arguing that pangolin trafficking is a growing regional problem and requires firm penalties.
“If courts do not send a strong message, these crimes will continue. Pangolins are among the world’s most trafficked mammals, and Zimbabwe must protect its wildlife heritage,” he said.
Magistrate Honest Musiiwa remanded the father and son in custody pending continuation of trial.
