News / National
UZ employee in trouble for possessing ivory
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A University of Zimbabwe employee from the Clinical Trials Test Research department, Bloodshow Kopa (45), was yesterday brought before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo, facing charges of illegal possession of ivory. He appeared alongside co-accused Givemore Murisa (33) and Tafadzwa Kuvhenguwa (36).
The three were remanded in custody until July 3, 2025, pending routine remand proceedings. Magistrate Moyo advised Kopa to apply for bail at the High Court.
According to the prosecution, on June 12, detectives received information that the accused were in possession of ivory in Mbare, Harare. Acting on this intelligence, investigators arranged a sting operation.
On June 17, detectives posing as buyers contacted Murisa and agreed to meet at Robert Mugabe Square in Harare to finalize a transaction. Upon arrival, Kopa and Murisa entered the detectives' vehicle to negotiate the ivory's price, settling at US$170 per kilogram.
During the negotiation, Kopa left the vehicle briefly and returned accompanied by Kuvhenguwa, who was carrying a satchel. The accused entered the detectives' vehicle, occupied the rear seat, and produced two pieces of ivory from the satchel, offering them for sale.
As the accused requested payment, backup detectives moved in, revealing their service identity cards and arresting the trio. Two pieces of ivory were recovered from Kopa.
The accused failed to produce any permits or licenses authorizing possession of the ivory, resulting in their arrest and subsequent charges.
The case continues as investigations proceed.
The three were remanded in custody until July 3, 2025, pending routine remand proceedings. Magistrate Moyo advised Kopa to apply for bail at the High Court.
According to the prosecution, on June 12, detectives received information that the accused were in possession of ivory in Mbare, Harare. Acting on this intelligence, investigators arranged a sting operation.
On June 17, detectives posing as buyers contacted Murisa and agreed to meet at Robert Mugabe Square in Harare to finalize a transaction. Upon arrival, Kopa and Murisa entered the detectives' vehicle to negotiate the ivory's price, settling at US$170 per kilogram.
During the negotiation, Kopa left the vehicle briefly and returned accompanied by Kuvhenguwa, who was carrying a satchel. The accused entered the detectives' vehicle, occupied the rear seat, and produced two pieces of ivory from the satchel, offering them for sale.
As the accused requested payment, backup detectives moved in, revealing their service identity cards and arresting the trio. Two pieces of ivory were recovered from Kopa.
The accused failed to produce any permits or licenses authorizing possession of the ivory, resulting in their arrest and subsequent charges.
The case continues as investigations proceed.
Source - NewsDay
