News / Regional
Zimparks authorities reward pangolin trade whistle blower
21 Mar 2018 at 17:41hrs | Views
Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu (L), Pangolin caught in Hwange (R) - Pictures by Zimparks
Wild life authorities in Zimbabwe have apprehended a villager in Hwange area for dealing in pangolin and rewarded the whistle-blower for bringing the illegal trade to their attention.
Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu (36), from Kasibi village, Matetsi in Hwange was arrested on March 19.
The pangolin, which gained the highest level of protection under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species in 2016 was being sold to any willing buyer for one thousand dollars.
Ntandoyenkosi appeared before Hwange magistrate.
He was apprehended at Matetsi River Bridge by Zimbabwe National Parks' Investigations Officers who were in the company of an officer from Zimbabwe Republic Police's Mineral and Border Control Unit.
The suspected poacher, Ntandoyenkosi faces a charge of violating section 128 (1) (b) of the Parks and Wildlife Act Chapter 20; 14 which is "illegal possession/ dealing of live pangolin.'
The apprehended pangolin was used as an exhibit at Hwange Magistrate court and later released back to the wild.
Ntandoyenkosi pleaded guilty at his initial court appearance and was remanded in custody to April 3 for sentencing.
According to Zimparks website, "pangolins are specially protected animals under the Parks and Wildlife Act 20; 14 and sentence up to 12 years in prison.
Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu (36), from Kasibi village, Matetsi in Hwange was arrested on March 19.
The pangolin, which gained the highest level of protection under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species in 2016 was being sold to any willing buyer for one thousand dollars.
Ntandoyenkosi appeared before Hwange magistrate.
He was apprehended at Matetsi River Bridge by Zimbabwe National Parks' Investigations Officers who were in the company of an officer from Zimbabwe Republic Police's Mineral and Border Control Unit.
The suspected poacher, Ntandoyenkosi faces a charge of violating section 128 (1) (b) of the Parks and Wildlife Act Chapter 20; 14 which is "illegal possession/ dealing of live pangolin.'
The apprehended pangolin was used as an exhibit at Hwange Magistrate court and later released back to the wild.
Ntandoyenkosi pleaded guilty at his initial court appearance and was remanded in custody to April 3 for sentencing.
According to Zimparks website, "pangolins are specially protected animals under the Parks and Wildlife Act 20; 14 and sentence up to 12 years in prison.
Source - Simiso Mlevu
