Vic Falls firm fined for illegal indigenous flora ...

Vic Falls firm fined for illegal indigenous flora deals

Nyashadzashe Ndoro

Comforter Marketing, a company located in Victoria Falls, has been convicted of selling specially protected indigenous plants without a permit.

The company, represented by Komborerai Magama, was fined US$100 fine by the Victoria Falls Magistrates’ Court.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the National Parks and Wildlife Rangers received a tip-off that the accused company was illegally selling protected plants.

The raid uncovered evidence of the company cultivating and selling various protected plant species, including 625 Sabi star plants, 5 lundi star plants, 26 orchid plants, and 18 Cycad plants. The company lacked the necessary permits to cultivate or sell these protected species.

"On the 30th of January 2024, the National Parks and Wildlife rangers, while on patrol, received information to the effect that the company was selling some specially protected indigenous plants. Following the tip-off, the rangers teamed up with the police and went to the company’s premises where they discovered that the company was cultivating and selling specially protected indigenous plants.

“The police discovered that the company had sold 625 Sabi star plants, five lundi star, 26 orchid plants and 18 Cycad plants. The company does not have the license to cultivate or sell the indigenous plants,” the State said.

Comforter Marketing was ordered to pay the US$100 fine by March 22, 2024.