Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
A 39-year-old security guard from Hwange has been sentenced to nine years in prison after being found in possession of an unmarked elephant tusk without a permit, in contravention of Zimbabwe’s wildlife conservation 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 the unlawful possession of 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 required authority.
According to court records, the offence was committed on May 14 this year at GVZ in Hwange.
The court heard that at around 6pm, detectives from the Zimbabwe Republic Police Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit (MFFU) in Hwange were conducting patrols in the area when they observed Mpofu carrying a black sling bag.
Police officers reportedly overheard him speaking on a mobile phone and directing an unidentified motorist to travel to his location to finalise a transaction.
The detectives maintained surveillance from a distance and later observed a Toyota RunX vehicle arriving at the scene.
As Mpofu was about to enter the vehicle, police officers moved in and identified themselves.
The motorist immediately sped away, leaving Mpofu behind.
A search of the sling bag led to the recovery of a 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 subsequently 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 unlawfully possessed the ivory without a licence or permit.
Following a full trial, during 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 adopt a zero-tolerance approach to wildlife-related offences, with courts imposing stiff penalties aimed at curbing the illegal trade in wildlife products and safeguarding the country’s elephant population.
