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Peter Matika, Senior Reporter
THREE suspected poachers, one of them believed to be a traditional healer were last week arrested when they were found in possession of a pangolin carcass valued at $5 000 which they were using for rituals. The three whose ages were not given have since appeared in court and were remanded in custody.
They would be back in court on 9 April. It is the State’s case that Mthulisi Moyo from Binga and is believed to be a traditional healer, Sibekumuzi Ncube and Mguni Fuyane were arrested by police detectives in Cowdray Park suburb in Bulawayo on 22 March, after they were busted in the middle of a ritual.
It was, however, not stated in court what the ritual was for. The three are being charged with contravening section 45 (1) (b) ARW Section 128 (b) of the Parks and Wildlife Act, Chapter 20:14 as amended in section 11 of the general law amend 5/2011 — possession of specially protected animal trophy.
As stated by the State through the prosecutor, Mr Leonard Chile, detectives found the trio at house number 21727 Cowdray Park, while in the middle of the ritual. He said detectives found the pangolin carcass in the middle of the room covered with a white cloth with white mealie-meal sprinkled all over it.
Mr Chile said detectives asked the trio to produce a licence or permit to be in possession of the pangolin carcass, which they failed to produce, leading to their arrest. The carcass is said to have been taken to the Department of Veterinary Services for checks, before it was taken to the National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, where it was weighed and valued.
Mr Jechonia Ncube presided over the case.
derick.khumalo