Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
[email protected]
TWO men from Harare and Tsholotsho have each been sentenced to an effective nine years in prison after being convicted of unlawfully possessing raw ivory in separate cases, as authorities intensify efforts to combat wildlife crime.
The pair was convicted of contravening Section 81(1) of the Parks and Wildlife Act [Chapter 20:14], which prohibits the possession of unmarked raw ivory without a valid permit or licence.
Criminal Investigations Department (CID) national spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri said the first convict, Blessing Kwaramba (44), of Zimbiru Village under Chief Chinamhora in Domboshava, Harare, was arrested after detectives received information that he intended to sell ivory to prospective buyers in Hatcliffe.
Detectives from the CID Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit mounted a surveillance operation at a service station in Hatcliffe, where they intercepted and searched Kwaramba.
“Police recovered seven pieces of unmarked raw ivory from his possession. He failed to produce a valid permit or licence authorising him to possess the ivory and was immediately arrested,” said Det Insp Muteweri.
Kwaramba appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Feresi Chakanyuka on July 29, where he was convicted and sentenced to an effective nine years in prison. The recovered ivory was forfeited to the State.
In a separate case, Zephaniah Dube (42), of Tsholotsho, was also sentenced to an effective nine years’ imprisonment by the Tsholotsho Magistrates Court on July 29 after being convicted of unlawful possession of raw ivory.
Det Insp Muteweri said Dube was arrested on July 11 following a tip-off that he and several accomplices were in possession of ivory they intended to sell.
Acting on the information, detectives arrested the suspects and recovered 14 pieces of raw ivory.
Dube’s alleged accomplices — Wilson Ncube (74), Mvikeli Moyo (32), Joel Moyo (39) and Itai Tshuma (31) — were remanded in custody to August 12 pending trial.
Det Insp Muteweri said law enforcement agencies remain committed to protecting Zimbabwe’s wildlife heritage by cracking down on illegal wildlife trafficking.
“We continue to warn members of the public against engaging in illegal wildlife trade. Offenders will face the full force of the law,” she said.
