Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizurad [email protected]
A 49-year-old Bulawayo woman has been sentenced to perform 630 hours of community service for possessing a piece of python skin.
Phathisani Moyo of Cowdray Park suburb appeared before Western Commonage magistrate, Mr Jeconia Prince Ncube, facing a charge of possession of any specially protected animal trophy-python (Sebae).
She pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to 36 months in prison, of which 12 months were suspended for five years on condition that she does not commit the same offence.
The remaining 24 months, were suspended on condition the accused person completes 630 hours of community service at Cowdray Park Secondary School.
When was asked why she was in possession of a python skin by the magistrate, she stated that she is a Sangoma (traditional healer) and she uses it.
The State represented by Ms Cathrine Kuzu, told the court that on February 9, 2026, alert police detectives were on patrol at Ngozi Mine dump site, Bulawayo carrying out searches.
During the search, the detectives received a tip off that accused person was in possession of python skin, said Ms Kuzu.
Armed with the information, the detectives proceeded to the accused person’s place of residence and requested a search.
The court heard that the accused person agreed and during the search the detectives recovered a piece of python skin hanging to the roof truss.
The accused person was asked to produce a licence or permit, which allows her to possess the python skin and she failed leading to her arrest, said Ms Kuzu.
The recovered exhibits were taken to ZimParks for examination by ecologist and was done in the presence of accused person.
The value of python killed is US$2 000, added Ms Kuzu.
