Online ReporterArron Nyamayaro
A HWANGE man has been sentenced to nine years in prison for possessing two pangolins.
Nqobile Luphahla, 23, of Makwandara Village under Chief Dingani, was arrested while searching for buyers of two pangolins.
In a statement, Criminal Investigations Department (CID) spokesperson, Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri, said Nqobile was convicted and sentenced to nine years in jail when he appeared before a Tredgold Regional Magistrate last week.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police continues to express its appreciation to the public for the provision of credible information denouncing crimes against our wildlife resources, particularly the endangered species which are at the verge of extinction,” said Det Insp Muteweri.
“In a landmark ruling, Nqobile Luphahla has been convicted and sentenced to nine years imprisonment for possessing two live pangolins.
“This was after detectives got wind that the accused person was in possession of this highly trafficked endangered species in Dete, Hwange, and he was looking for potential buyers.
“The accused person was later arrested at Umguza tollgate along Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road.”
In a related case, Standile Nkomo, 54, of Arsvale, Esigodini, appeared at the same courts on Saturday facing charges of possession of pangolin scales.
“Standile Nkomo was arrested following receipt of information that she was in possession of the pangolin scales and was looking for a potential buyer in Bulawayo Central Business District.
“Searches conducted led to the recovery of 18 pangolin scales,” said Det Insp Muteweri.
