Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura, [email protected]
A 34-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man has been sentenced to perform 630 hours of community service for illegally possessing four pieces of python skin.
Mgcini Dube, of Ngozi Mine Squatter Camp, appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Jeconia Prince Ncube facing a charge of possessing a special protected animal trophy (python).
He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment, of which 12 months were suspended for five years on condition he does not commit a similar offence within that period.
The remaining 12 months were set aside on condition he completes 630 hours of community service at Tategulu Primary School.
Asked why he was in possession of the python skin, Dube told the court that he was a sangoma (traditional healer) and used it as part of his practice.
Prosecuting, Ms Cathrine Kuzu told the court that on February 9 this year, alert police detectives on patrol at the Ngozi Mine dump site conducted routine searches.
During the operation, they received a tip off that the accused was in possession of python skin.
The court heard that the detectives followed up on the information, proceeded to Dube’s home and requested to carry out a search.
Dube consented, and during the search, police recovered four pieces of python skin behind the back door.
“Dube was asked to produce a licence or permit, which allows him to possess the python skin, which he failed, leading to his arrest,” said Ms Kuzu.
The recovered exhibits were taken to ZimParks for examination by an ecologist in Dube’s presence.
“The value of the killed python is US$2 000,” said Ms Kuzu.
