Woman skins python, arrested

POLICE in Bulawayo have arrested a 28-year-old woman, Sindisiwe Sibanda of Emthunzini, after she was found in possession of a python skin, in violation of wildlife protection laws.

According to a police statement, the arrest followed a tip-off received on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at around 8AM, alleging that Sibanda was skinning a python at her residence.

Police officers responded to the information and proceeded to her home, where they discovered a python skin approximately one metre long spread out on the ground near the doorstep.

During questioning, Sibanda allegedly confessed to killing and skinning the python after finding it in a nearby bush, before burning the flesh. She was arrested and taken into custody.

Bulawayo Deputy Police Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Thandekile Ndlovu, commended members of the public for providing information that led to the arrest and urged communities to desist from killing or trading in specially protected species.

"A crime against our wildlife is a crime against our nation," she said.

Police reminded the public that pythons are protected under Zimbabwe's Parks and Wildlife Act, and killing or possessing parts of such animals without a permit is a punishable offence.