Online Reporter
Fortune Mavambo Makoni, [email protected]
A TRADITIONAL healer from Inyathi in Bubi District has been sentenced to two years in prison for illegal possession of a python skin.
Given Ndlovu (30), of Broom Village 8, was convicted on his own plea of guilty to contravening Section 45(1) of the Parks and Wildlife Act by Inyathi magistrate Ms Meggie Ruzive.
The python skin, which measured 144 centimetres, was forfeited to the State.
In passing sentence, Ms Ruzive described the offence as serious, saying pythons were protected reptiles and their illegal killing undermined wildlife conservation laws.
“Pythons are protected reptiles and their illegal killing undermines wildlife conservation laws. There is therefore a need for deterrence sentences for wildlife-related offences,” she said.
Ms Ruzive said the illegal killing of wildlife disrupted biodiversity and contributed to the ongoing threat facing wildlife species.
“Such activities could also damage the country’s reputation and economic opportunities, particularly in conservation and tourism,” she said.
In mitigation, Ndlovu told the court that he intended to use the python skin for healing purposes.
“I was actually on my way to attend to a client when I was intercepted by the police,” he said.
The court heard that on August 21, detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Lupane received information that Ndlovu was in possession of a python skin.
Acting on the tip-off, the detectives proceeded to Mahamba Business Centre bus terminus, where they found Ndlovu in his vehicle.
“The detectives identified themselves and advised him of the purpose of their visit before searching his vehicle,” read the court papers.
The detectives discovered the dried python skin inside the vehicle and asked Ndlovu to produce a licence or permit authorising him to possess the python trophy.
He failed to produce the required documentation and was subsequently arrested.
The skin was taken to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks).
