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ZIMBABWEa��S state wildlife authority says it is investigating reports of a man who allegedly dragged two pythons through the streets of a Harare suburb as part of a witch-hunting exercise.
Images of the man dragging the two giant snakes along a dusty, mango tree-lined street were posted on social media.
The snakes allegedly belonged to a child in the suburb who inherited the reptiles from a late father.
Pythons are protected in Zimbabwe, and anyone found in possession of one illegally can face up to nine years in jail.
A spokesperson for the National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) said they had noticed the images on social media with a�?great concerna�?.
Investigations are underway to identify the culprit. a�?We are currently making our own investigations to establish the authenticity of those images as well as the story behind them,a�? Zimparks spokesperson, Simukai Nyasha, told state-run ZBC radio.
a�?In terms of the Parks and Wildlife Act of Zimbabwe, it is illegal for anyone to be found in possession of wildlife without a valid permit from the parks and wildlife management authority,a�? Nyasha added.
Zimbabwea��s feared tsikamutandas claim to be able to sniff out witches and wizards in communities. They are known to use underhand methods to scare residents and extort money.
Nyasha said: a�?If we find out that these images are authentic; that this person has those two pythons, the law will certainly take its course. And I can assure you it attracts a very heavy penalty.a�?
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Online Reporter