Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
A 40-year-old man from Lupane has been sent to prison for nine years and six months for possessing a python skin, hyena tail, pangolin scales and two pieces of elephant tusks hidden in his bedroom.
Nkosilamandla Ncube, of Fatima Village, was arrested and taken to court for his illegal activities.
In a statement, Criminal Investigations Department (CID) spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri said Ncube failed to produce a permit or license authorising him to possess these protected species under the Parks and Wildlife Act.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police welcome the sentencing of Nkosilamandla Ncube, found guilty of possession of protected species under the Parks and Wildlife Act,” she said.
“On August 28, 2025, detectives from Minerals Flora and Fauna received information about a man in possession of different animal trophies at his residence.
“They acted on this information and found the accused at his home. The accused took the detectives to his bedroom, where the python skin, hyena tail, pangolin scales, and two pieces of elephant tusks were recovered.”
On September 16, Ncube appeared at Hwange Magistrates Court before Mr Brighton Matope, who convicted him and sentenced him to an effective nine years and six months imprisonment.
In a separate case, Stanley Takavada, 48, of Mkhosana suburb in Victoria Falls, was also sentenced to nine years in prison by Victoria Falls magistrate Ms Linda Dzvene.
He was found guilty of possessing three unmarked elephant tusks without a permit after his arrest on October 6, 2021.
Takavada was initially granted bail but fled to Zambia and a warrant of arrest was issued against him. He was re-arrested on September 9 this year, while attempting to return to Zimbabwe.
“As the Zimbabwe Republic Police, we commend the court for handing down a significant sentence that reflects the seriousness of wildlife crime,” said Det Insp Muteweri.
““This sentence serves as a deterrent to would-be offenders and demonstrates our commitment to protecting Zimbabwe’s wildlife.
“We also warn criminals that the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with you, no matter how long you hide.”
