Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
THERE was feathers and confusion at Kopje Bus Terminus in Harare when three men were arrested trying to sell dried vulture heads .
Emmanuel Genius Mombe (36) of Domboshava, Benjamin Sarewa (26) of Epworth and Shadreck Gukutu (31) of Waterfalls landed before the Harare Magistrates’ Court after police caught them in a sting operation that would make an episode of Wenera blush.
A traditional juju belief is driving the demand for vulture heads. Some herbalists and fortune seekers believe vulture heads can give; gambling luck, lotto numbers, prophetic dreams and “Seeing things before they happen.”
Vultures have eyes sharp enough to spot death from kilometres away, so some people believe eating, smoking, or sniffing powdered vulture heads can give clairvoyance.
Scientifically, vultures are just nature’s cleanup crew.
They do not have magical foresight.
They simply circle because they detect gases from rotting meat.
No prophecy.
Just science and stink.
However, the demand continues, and Zimbabwe’s vulture population is suffering like a dull student on exam day.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, detectives moved in on the trio on 5 November 2025 after getting a tip-off that the men were hunting for buyers.
“Police detectives met with the first accused who produced a black plastic bag containing four dried vulture heads,” said the NPAZ. “The officers immediately identified themselves and arrested the suspect.”
The other two suspects were allegedly lurking nearby waiting for the “deal” to go through. They did not get to count a cent. They only counted the steps into the police truck.
The NPAZ reminded the public of the seriousness of the matter: “The illegal trade in wildlife trophies poses a serious threat to biodiversity. The public is urged to report anyone trading or in possession of wildlife trophies without a permit.”
The trio was remanded to 21 November 2025 while investigations continue.
For now, the only thing they will be seeing into the future is a possible jail sentence instead of lotto numbers.
