Man found with five lion heads

**Patson Ndhlovu, in blue shirt, being escorted into the Harare Magistrates' Courts for trial on allegations of possessing five lion heads**

Michael Mashiri

A man, who was allegedly found with five lion heads valued at US$100 000, has been arraigned before the courts.

Patson Ndhlovu, 32, of Zimre Park, Masvingo, appeared before magistrate Ruth Moyo at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts charged with contravening the Parks and Wildlife Act.

He was ordered to deposit US$200 bail and will appear in court on March 18, for his routine remand.

The State, through prosecutor Berlinda Chimuka, alleges that on February 17, detectives from CID Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit, Harare were informed that Ndhlovu and his accomplices had five lion heads and were looking for potential buyers.

It is alleged that on February 17, at around 0900 hours, the detectives were told that Ndhlovu had five lion heads at corner Mazowe Street and Baines Avenue, Harare.

They went there and did their surveillance and saw Ndhlovu and his accomplice approaching the advance team car, which was being driven by detective sergeant Nhokovedzo parked at Baines Avenue Clinic parking bay.

It is alleged that Ndhlovu and his accomplice then entered the car parked and drove towards Mazowe Street.

They parked it at a bay at corner Mazowe Mansions along Mazowe Street.

Ndhlovu and his accomplice, who is still at large, allegedly led the team of detectives into Mazowe Mansions Flat.

After a while, Ndhlovu, emerged from the flat carrying a blue and purple bag and loaded it in the advance team’s pick-up truck and they entered the car, but the third accused persons fled from the scene.

It is alleged that other team of detectives then approached the advance team's car and identified themselves before asking Ndhlovu to produce his permit but he failed.

That subsequently led to his arrest and the recovery of five lion heads.