Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
Two Beitbridge men’s get rich fast deal has earned them nine years imprisonment following their conviction at the local regional magistrate’s court for attempting to illegally sell a pangolin.
A pangolin falls under the world’s most endangered animals, making it illegal in most countries for people to trade in them.
It is understood that they (pangolins) are endangered primarily due to illegal hunting and trafficking for their meat and scales, which are believed to have medicinal and cultural value in some parts of the world.
Andrew Kahlamezi (53) and Sakhile Ncube (45) by detectives on Tuesday during a sting operation.
In a statement, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said the pair was busted following a tip-off.
“Investigators received intelligence that the suspects were offering a live pangolin for sale near the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) dam wall. Undercover police officers then posed as buyers and arranged a meeting with the pair,” said NPAZ.
“When the pair arrived in a Toyota Hiace, detectives watched as they produced the pangolin hidden in a black bag inside a crate. They were then caught for attempting to sell the animal for R150,000.
“They tried to flee when the police revealed their identity but were swiftly arrested. A live female pangolin weighing 8,7kg was recovered from the offenders and taken to the veterinary officers for medical assessment and care”.
The NPAZ said pangolins are a national treasure, and any attempt to profit from pangolin tracking will be met with the full force of the law.
Bongani Ndlovu