SEVEN ARRESTED FOR SELLING PANGOLIN FOR US$6K

He has been arrested and appeared before Harare regional magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa, who remanded him in custody.

Priscilla Magazini

SEVEN people have been arrested for trying to sell a pangolin in Mutare for US$6 000.

The suspects were arrested after detectives, who were pretending to be potential buyers, lured them into a trap.

Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the arrest of the seven. They are Tapiwa Machaya (43), Aleck kwagware (26), Rodrick Murambisi (32), Alice Mafu (48), Malvin Masimuke (50), Mugove Godza (53) and Sophia Mariwa.

“The Central Investigation Department pretended to be buyers since the seven culprits were searching for potential buyers.

“They were told to meet at an unknown hotel in Mutare for transactions.

“The detectives spotted them in a Toyota Aqua, registration number AFZ 1171.

“They were selling the pangolin for US$6000 and the officers agreed to the deal and instructed them to hand over the pangolin and a licence. They failed to comply and only handed the pangolin wrapped in a blue sack. The seven were arrested instantly for contravening the Wildlife Act.”