Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini
SIX men have been arrested for the unlawful possession of ivory, valued at US$23,303.50, which they were trying to sell.
Jarvis Katwali (46), Archibald Emson Runyowa (60), More Nyamasoka (54), Chipinge Energy Gwanangura (64), Norman Chipangura (30) and Maxwell Maroodza (39), appeared before Harare Magistrates Lisa Mutendereki yesterday.
They were arrested by detectives from the CID Minerals Flora and Fauna Unit.
The State claimed that on Sunday, detectives received information that the six were in possession of ivory and were looking for buyers in Harare’s CBD.
Acting on the tip-off, the detectives allegedly arranged a controlled operation in which one officer posed as a prospective buyer.
The suspects agreed to meet at the corner of Sixth Street and Baines Avenue to negotiate the sale.
Prosecutors allege that the group agreed on a price of US$1,130 per kilogramme before some of the accused fetched the ivory from a nearby vehicle.
The court heard that four pieces of raw ivory were produced and placed on a digital scale for weighing.
Once the purported buyer confirmed the ivory had been produced, detectives moved in and arrested the suspects.
According to the State, some of the gang members allegedly attempted to flee in a Toyota Hilux, while others remained at the scene where the ivory was being weighed.
Police recovered four pieces of unmarked raw ivory weighing 13.55 kilogrammes, which were valued at US$23,303.50.
Investigations further allege that the ivory had been acquired from another individual based in Crowhill, Harare.
