Prosper Dembedza-Herald Correspondent
HARARE magistrate Ms Lisa Mutendereki has slapped Mazonde village head Johannes Mazonde with a mandatory nine-year imprisonment sentence after finding him guilty of unlawful possession of pangolin scales.
Mazonde, who serves under Chief Kasekete, was convicted following an anti-poaching sting operation conducted by police in the capital.
The court heard that on 27 October 2026, at around 7:00 am, Detective Constable Manzini from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit received intelligence indicating that the traditional leader was in possession of pangolin scales and was actively seeking buyers in Harare.
Detective Constable Manzini obtained the accused’s mobile contact number and initiated a call, posing as a potential buyer.
The detective successfully arranged to meet Mazonde at Eastgate Mall in central Harare to conclude the transaction.
Det Manzini subsequently teamed up with Detective Sergeants Kemusi and Mututu to conduct surveillance at the shopping complex. At approximately 8:05am, Det Manzini contacted Mazonde to rendezvous at the main entrance.
Upon the suspect’s arrival, the undercover detectives intercepted him, identified themselves using their official service cards, and explained their mission.
Detective Sergeant Kemusi requested the accused to produce any wildlife product in his possession.
Mazonde extracted a black plastic bag from the left pocket of his blue jacket and handed it over to the team.
A physical search of the container uncovered 29 pangolin scales wrapped inside two separate black plastic bags.
When requested to produce a valid licence or permit authorising the legal possession of the items, Mazonde failed to do so, leading to his immediate arrest.
Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority officials were summoned to the CID offices, where they examined and authenticated the 29 seized pieces.
Pangolins are a strictly protected endangered species under the Parks and Wildlife Management Act, which carries heavy custodial penalties for possession or trafficking.
