Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
A 28-YEAR-OLD woman from Emthunzini in Bulawayo has been arrested after she was allegedly caught with a python skin at her home, following a police tip-off from vigilant residents.
Bulawayo deputy police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Thandekile Ndlovu confirmed that Sindisiwe Sibanda was found drying a 1-metre-long python skin outside her residence on Tuesday morning.
According to police, at around 8AM on 4 November 2025, officers received intel that Sibanda was skinning a python at her home. They reacted swiftly.
Upon arrival, police allegedly found the python skin spread neatly on the ground near her doorstep. When questioned, Sibanda reportedly admitted to killing the snake.
She claimed she had found the python in a nearby bush, killed it, removed the skin and burnt the flesh.
She was immediately arrested for being found in possession of a specially protected animal, which is illegal in Zimbabwe.
Asst Insp Ndlovu, applauded community members for raising the alarm.
“We appreciate members of the public for supplying information that led to the arrest of the accused person,” she said said.
Asst Insp Ndlovu issued a strong warning to the public.
“We strongly warn the community to desist from killing, skinning and trading in specially protected animals. A crime against our wildlife is a crime against our nation,” she said.
Pythons are protected under Zimbabwe’s wildlife laws and killing, selling or possessing them can lead to serious penalties, including jail time.
