Chronicle Editor
Amos Mpofu – [email protected]
A POACHER from Lupane has been sentenced to 12 months in prison.
Lyton Sibanda (46) from Chief Mabhikwa, Lupane, was found in unlawful possession of the carcasses of a warthog and an impala valued at US$2 000.
Sibanda appeared before West Commonage Magistrate Mr Vakayi Douglas Chikwekwe, where he was found guilty of violating Section 59(2) (b) of the Parks and Wildlife Act, which prohibits the removal of any animal or its parts from one location to another.
The prosecutor, Mr Mthabisi Moyo, said Sibanda was apprehended at a roadblock at Nyamandlovu Turnoff along the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls road, where police conducted searches of passengers’ luggage in a Honda Fit vehicle.
“Upon searching, officers discovered a full impala carcass concealed in a brown sack and a warthog carcass hidden in a black traveling bag. Sibanda was unable to provide a license or permit for possession of these carcasses, leading to his arrest,” Moyo said.
Sibanda was sentenced to 12 months, with three months suspended for five years, contingent on no convictions during that time.
The carcasses are to be disposed of by burning
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