Peter Matika, Zimpapers Writer
A 28-year-old Nkayi man who travelled from Bulawayo to Gwanda with nearly five kilogrammes of raw ivory allegedly destined for the illegal market has been sentenced to an effective nine years in prison.
Talent Ndlovu was convicted of unlawful possession of raw, unmarked ivory by the Gwanda Magistrates’ Court after he was caught with five pieces weighing 4.88 kilogrammes and valued at US$829.60.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said Ndlovu was arrested on August 24, 2026, after detectives acting on a tip-off intercepted him at a bus stop near Glow Service Station along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Highway.
He had travelled from Bulawayo carrying five pieces of raw, unmarked ivory, which he allegedly intended to sell to prospective buyers in Gwanda.
In an apparent attempt to conceal the contraband, Ndlovu had wrapped the ivory in a blue plastic bag and placed it inside a small grey-and-black travelling bag.
Upon arriving in Gwanda, he disembarked at Glow Service Station and waited at a nearby bus stop, apparently hoping to meet potential buyers while still in possession of the ivory.
However, his plans were brought to an abrupt end when police detectives, acting on information received, descended on the scene and arrested him.
A subsequent search of his travelling bag uncovered five pieces of the raw, unmarked ivory.
Ndlovu failed to produce any documentation authorising his possession of the ivory, leading to his prosecution and subsequent conviction.
The recovered ivory was forfeited to the State.
The NPAZ urged members of the public to play an active role in protecting Zimbabwe’s wildlife heritage by reporting suspected cases of poaching, illegal possession and trafficking of wildlife products.
The authority said it remained committed to prosecuting wildlife crime offenders and ensuring that those found on the wrong side of the law were held accountable.
