Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
FOUR men are in police custody after detectives allegedly caught them with 10 ostrich eggs worth US$10 000 in Bulawayo following a carefully planned operation triggered by a tip-off that the eggs were allegedly meant for ritual purposes.
Detectives pounced on Mathew Ngwenya (46) of Highlands, Zvishavane, Morgan Mugore (45) of Hweru, Gutu, James Kalulu (61) of Chinotimba, Victoria Falls, and Nduna Moyo (67) of Romney Park, Bulawayo on July 9.
Their arrest followed investigations by detectives from the CID Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit after they received information that the four men were allegedly in possession of protected wildlife products without the necessary permits.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said: “At around 8am on July 9, detectives from the CID Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit, Bulawayo, received information that the accused persons were in possession of ostrich eggs in Zvishavane which they intended to use for rituals.”
“The detectives made a plan and lured them to come to Bulawayo. Upon arrival, the accused persons met in the Central Business District where detectives introduced themselves as police officers before conducting a search,” she said.
Inspector Msebele said the search led to the recovery of 10 ostrich eggs which had been concealed in two cooler boxes.
“The accused persons were asked to produce a licence or permit authorising them to be in possession of the ostrich eggs, but they failed to do so, leading to their arrest,” she said.
Police recovered all 10 ostrich eggs, which have an estimated value of US$10 000.
Although police said they had received information suggesting the eggs were allegedly intended for ritual purposes, the suspects have been charged with unlawful possession after failing to produce permits authorising them to possess the protected wildlife products.
Inspector Msebele commended members of the public whose information led to the arrests.
“We appreciate members of the public for supplying information that led to the arrest of the accused persons,” she said.
She warned that ostriches are protected wildlife species and anyone found in possession of ostrich eggs or other wildlife products without the necessary documentation risks arrest.
“We also warn members of the public that tampering with animals which fall under protected species is an offence.
Anyone found selling or in possession of these animals or their parts without a licence or permit will be arrested and face the wrath of the law,” said Inspector Msebele.
Inspector Msebele has urged members of the public to continue reporting suspicious activities involving wildlife crimes, saying community cooperation remains critical in combating the illegal trade in protected animal species and their products.
