Michael Mashiri
Five people who were caught with a live pangolin have been denied bail.
Esther Mutukanzvimbo, 44, of Guruve, Saul Dave, 25, of Shamva, Jeremiah Dave, 32, of Shamva, Takudzwa Chamboko, 24, of Shamva and Onest Mutanhu, 29, of Mutanhu, appeared before magistrate Ethel Chichera for contravening the Parks and Wildlife Act.
The State alleges that on August 16, 2023, detectives from CID Minerals Flora and Fauna Unit were informed that the accused persons, who were using a Toyota Sienta which was being driven by Mutanhu, had a live pangolin near the toll gate along Mazowe Road looking for buyers.
One of the detectives pretended to be a potential buyer while others came as back-up.
One of the detectives called Mutukanzvimbo and she told the detective to meet her, Saul, Jeremiah, Takudzwa and Mutanhu in Marlborough just after Harare-Mazowe tollgate area in Harare where they parked.
One detective Sergeant Kemusi, who pretended to be a pangolin buyer drove to the agreed place together with one Detective Constable Magamure.
After meeting, the accused entered the detectives’ and showed them the live pangolin which was in a white sack.
Negotiations on the price followed until they agreed on selling it for US$5 500.
The detectives then drove towards the city centre, pretending to lead the five to a potential buyer, yet they were being led towards Corner Second Street Extension and Harare Drive where the backup team was waiting.
When Kemisi stopped, the backup team quickly came and they identified themselves.
Saul was holding the sack with the pangolin.
The detectives asked the accused to produce a licence or permit which authorised them to carry the animal but they could not produce any.
Investigations revealed that Saul got the animal from Shamva and he then contacted his other accomplices to look for buyers in Harare.
The pangolin was booked at CID MFFU Harare and then taken to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.
It was valued at US$5 000.
The five will appear in court on August 29.
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