Online Reporter
Samuel Ncube
TWO men were sentenced to nine years for trafficking a live pangolin.
Andrew Khahlamezi (53) and Sakhulile Ncube (45) from Beitbridge were arrested in a well-coordinated sting operation while trying to sell a pangolin. This occurred on 8 July when Criminal Investigations Department (CID) detectives got a tip-off in Beitbridge.
CID detectives received a tip-off that the two individuals were trying to sell the pangolin near the ZIMRA dam.
The detectives went undercover and acted as buyers to catch the duo in the act.
Arriving in a Toyota Hiace, the suspects were unaware they were walking into a trap.
They tried to sell the animal for ZAR 150 000. The police revealed their identity as they attempted to flee.
Regarding the case, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) in a statement, said: “Zimbabwe will not tolerate wildlife crimes”. “Pangolins are a national treasure, and any attempt to profit from pangolin trafficking will be met with the full force of the law.”
derick.khumalo