dyton mupawaenda
Zvikomborero Parafini
A DEALER has been busted by police while looking for a buyer for a live pangolin worth US$5000.
Trinet Dube, 28, was not asked to plead when he appeared before Harare magistrate, Dennis Mangosi, and was remanded in custody, pending bail considerations.
The court heard that on June 20, detectives from CID Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit, Harare, received information that Dube was in possession of a live pangolin in Mt Pleasant, Harare, and was looking for a buyer.
The detectives were told that he was wearing a blue work-suit and the pangolin was hidden in a brown bag which he was carrying.
The court heard that Detective Sergeant Murahwa, Detective Sergeant Kemusi and Detective Sergeant Shekwani proceeded to Mt Pleasant and parked their vehicle next to POTRAZ Building along, Dividend Drive, and put the area under surveillance.
After waiting for about 30 minutes, the detectives noticed Dube walking along Dividend Drive heading into Endeavor Crescent.
The detectives intercepted him and introduced themselves.
They requested to search the bag he was carrying and they recovered a live pangolin, which was wrapped in a white and brown sack, hidden inside the bag.
The recovered pangolin has a street value of US$5000.
Rufaro Chonzi appeared for the State.
Online Reporter