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Tendai Gukutiwa
A MOZAMBICAN national and his Zimbabwean counterpart were arrested after being found in possession of a live pangolin in Mutare’s Central Business District.Kheni Gimo Bharai (29) of Katandika in Mozambique and Tafadzwa Ncube (20) of Shabane denied the charges when they appeared before Mutare magistrate, Ms Venencia Mugota on Monday.
Bharai and Ncube allegedly contravened Section 128 of the General Laws Amendment No. 5(GN 148/2011) of the Parks and Wildlife Act, Chapter 20:14 which criminalises the possession of protected animals.
They were remanded to June 10.
Mr Fletcher Karombe prosecuted.
It is alleged that one detective Mhuru received information to the effect that the pair was intending to sell a live pangolin in Mutare.
Acting on the information, detectives Musona, Mucharuina, Mpofu and Mhuru proceeded to the Meikles Park in Mutare.
Mr Karombe said at Meikles Park the detectives saw a Toyota Ipsum in which the two accused persons were in. They identified themselves as police officers and effected a search on the vehicle.
They subsequently recovered a live pangolin leading to Bharai and Ncube’s arrest.
The pair was advised to make bail applications at the High Court.
The case goes for trial on June 10.
Online Reporter