Sidumisile Mabena
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
A 39-YEAR-OLD Hwange security guard has been sentenced to nine years in prison after he was found in possession of an unmarked elephant tusk without a permit, in violation of Zimbabwe’s wildlife laws.
Danisa Mpofu of Bangani Village in Hwange, who is employed as a security guard at Zhong Zhin, was convicted by Hwange Provincial Magistrate, Ms Lindiwe Maphosa, for unlawfully possessing raw elephant ivory.
Mpofu was charged with contravening Section 82(1) of the Parks and Wildlife General Regulations SI 362 of 1990 as read with Section 128(b) of the Parks and Wildlife Act [Chapter 20:14], which prohibits the acquisition, possession or sale of raw unmarked elephant ivory without the requisite authority.
According to court records, the offence occurred on May 14 this year at GVZ in Hwange.
The court heard that at about 6PM, detectives from the Zimbabwe Republic Police Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit (MFFU) based in Hwange were conducting patrols in the area when they spotted Mpofu carrying a black sling bag.
Police officers reportedly overheard him speaking on a cellphone and directing an unidentified motorist to come to his location to conclude a deal.
The detectives maintained surveillance from a distance and observed a Toyota RunX vehicle approach the accused.
As Mpofu was about to enter the vehicle, police officers moved in and identified themselves. The motorist immediately sped away from the scene, leaving Mpofu behind.
A search of the sling bag led to the recovery of one piece of elephant ivory. When asked to produce a permit authorising possession of the ivory, Mpofu failed to do so and was immediately arrested.
The recovered ivory was later examined by an ecologist and weighed at Zimpost, where it was confirmed to be a raw elephant tusk weighing 690 grammes.
The tusk was valued at US$117,30.
The ivory, together with the ecologist’s report and weighing certificate, was produced in court as exhibits.
Prosecutor, Ms Jamesina Erica Makanza successfully argued that Mpofu had acted unlawfully by possessing the ivory without a licence or permit.
After a full trial in which Mpofu pleaded not guilty and was represented by Ms Charity Manyeza of Mhaka Attorneys, the court found him guilty and sentenced him to nine years’ imprisonment.
The recovered elephant ivory was forfeited to the State. Zimbabwe continues to maintain a zero-tolerance stance against wildlife crimes, with courts imposing stiff penalties aimed at curbing the illegal trade in wildlife products and protecting the country’s elephant population.
Bongani Ndlovu