News / National
Zimbabwe man arrested with rhino horn parts at Harare airport
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A 34-year-old Chitungwiza man, Cuthbert Maoko, was arrested at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport for attempting to smuggle five rhino horn pieces out of the country. The incident occurred on September 12 when Maoko, a clearing agent at the airport, was found with the contraband hidden inside a plastic sculpture.
Maoko appeared before Harare Magistrate Sheunesu Matova on Friday and was remanded in custody until December 6 for routine remand. He was advised to approach the High Court for bail.
According to the prosecution, Maoko was attempting to facilitate the illegal shipment of the rhino horns to China by processing fake export papers. He had arrived at the Airport 7 Aviation Services with a 13kg owl-shaped plastic sculpture, which he claimed was the item he intended to ship. However, during a routine physical inspection, authorities discovered something suspicious.
Upon closer examination, the sculpture was found to contain five rhino horn pieces wrapped in newspaper and transparent plastic. Maoko was unable to provide any legal documentation or permits for the rhino horns, prompting his immediate arrest.
The prosecution further alleges that Maoko later implicated his accomplice, Lin Wang, in the smuggling operation. The authorities are continuing their investigation into Wang's role in the illegal activity.
Rhino poaching and wildlife trafficking are significant issues in Zimbabwe and across the African continent, with rhino populations dwindling due to the illegal trade in rhino horns, which are highly valued in some markets for their purported medicinal properties and use in traditional remedies.
Maoko's arrest has highlighted ongoing efforts by Zimbabwe's wildlife authorities to curb illegal wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species. He will return to court on December 6 for further hearings.
Maoko appeared before Harare Magistrate Sheunesu Matova on Friday and was remanded in custody until December 6 for routine remand. He was advised to approach the High Court for bail.
According to the prosecution, Maoko was attempting to facilitate the illegal shipment of the rhino horns to China by processing fake export papers. He had arrived at the Airport 7 Aviation Services with a 13kg owl-shaped plastic sculpture, which he claimed was the item he intended to ship. However, during a routine physical inspection, authorities discovered something suspicious.
Upon closer examination, the sculpture was found to contain five rhino horn pieces wrapped in newspaper and transparent plastic. Maoko was unable to provide any legal documentation or permits for the rhino horns, prompting his immediate arrest.
The prosecution further alleges that Maoko later implicated his accomplice, Lin Wang, in the smuggling operation. The authorities are continuing their investigation into Wang's role in the illegal activity.
Rhino poaching and wildlife trafficking are significant issues in Zimbabwe and across the African continent, with rhino populations dwindling due to the illegal trade in rhino horns, which are highly valued in some markets for their purported medicinal properties and use in traditional remedies.
Maoko's arrest has highlighted ongoing efforts by Zimbabwe's wildlife authorities to curb illegal wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species. He will return to court on December 6 for further hearings.
Source - thestandard
