Two Jailed in Separate Bulawayo Pangolin Trafficking Cases
Zimbabwe Police have secured lengthy jail terms for four people convicted of trading endangered pangolin scales in Bulawayo as authorities intensify the fight against wildlife crime and illegal trafficking.
Dumisani Ndlovu 
Bulawayo — Two separate court cases involving the illegal possession and trading of pangolin scales have resulted in lengthy prison sentences, as Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) continue efforts to combat wildlife trafficking involving one of the country's most protected species.
In one case, Thandoyenkosi Ndlovu (28) was sentenced to an effective nine years' imprisonment after pleading guilty to illegally possessing and trading pangolin scales.
His co-accused, Thandile Sibanda (23), pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody pending trial.
According to police, detectives from the Criminal Investigation Department's Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit (CID MFFU) in Bulawayo acted on information that the pair was offering pangolin scales for sale in Khami, Bulawayo.
Detectives arrested the two suspects and recovered 20 pangolin scales.
Police said the accused failed to produce permits authorising possession of the specially protected wildlife trophies and were charged under Section 45(1)(b), read together with Section 128(b), of the Parks and Wildlife Act [Chapter 20:14].
The pair first appeared before the Western Commonage Magistrates' Court on July 4 before Magistrate Lenia Khumalo, with Prosecutor, one D. Chisiwa, representing the State.
On July 8, Ndlovu pleaded guilty and received an effective nine-year prison sentence, while Sibanda denied the charge and was remanded in custody pending trial.
In a separate case, Thokozile Dube (58) and Phanteng Dube (64), both of Nketa, Bulawayo, were each sentenced to five years' imprisonment on July 3 after being convicted of trading in pangolin scales.
The two were arrested on April 15 after CID MFFU detectives allegedly found them in possession of 32 pangolin scales.
Police said investigations indicated that Thokozile Dube, an employee of a trophy-processing company, had stolen a pangolin trophy before the pair allegedly offered the scales for sale.
CID Spokesperson, Detective Inspector Rachael Muteweri said the convictions demonstrate the police's commitment to combating wildlife crime and protecting endangered species.
"Pangolins are among Zimbabwe's specially protected and endangered species.
"They play an indispensable role in maintaining ecological balance and preserving the country's rich biodiversity.
"Their protection is not only a legal obligation but also a national responsibility to safeguard Zimbabwe's natural heritage for future generations," she said.
Detective Inspector Muteweri urged members of the public to report wildlife crimes and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to help protect Zimbabwe's endangered species from illegal exploitation.
