Man caught with pangolin skin

A 32-YEAR-OLD man from Gokwe has been arrested for possessing a pangolin skin. Fanuel Muleya from Mbhobho Village under Chief Negandi in Gokwe, appeared before Gokwe Magistrate Sithabile Zungula facing charges of possessing the pangolin skin. He denied the allegations and was remanded in custody to tomorrow.

Prosecuting, Maxwell Tapfira said on April 1 at around 11AM, Constable Mutale and Constable Runde of the Minerals and Border Control Unit in Gokwe as well as members of the Zimbabwe National Parks, were on patrol in Chitekete area when they received information that Muleya was in possession of a live pangolin at Chilimba Business Centre.

"Acting on the information, the team proceeded to Chilimba Business Centre and identified the accused," said Tapfira. "Upon arrival, they asked Muleya to produce the live pangolin but he refused."

The prosecutor said Muleya was searched and a pangolin skin was recovered from his satchel wrapped in a flour packaging paper. He was asked to produce a permit authorising him to possess a pangolin skin but he failed leading to his arrest.

Last week, a 34-year-old woman also from Gokwe was sentenced to nine years for possessing a pangolin skin.

Letwin Chari denied the allegations but was convicted due to overwhelming evidence against her.