BULAWAYO MAN JAILED NINE YEARS FOR ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF PANGOLIN SCALES

 

By Dex

1'

Crime Focus Zimbabwe – Prevent • Protect • Prevail

A 28-year-old Bulawayo man has been sentenced to the mandatory nine-year prison term after he was convicted of unlawfully possessing pangolin scales, a specially protected wildlife trophy under Zimbabwean law.

Thandoyenkosi Ndlovu of Entumbane suburb pleaded guilty before Western Commonage Magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube to contravening the Parks and Wildlife Act [Chapter 20:14], which prohibits the possession of specially protected animal trophies without a valid permit.

The court heard that on 3 July 2026, detectives from the CID Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit received information that Ndlovu and an alleged accomplice were attempting to sell pangolin scales in Bulawayo. Acting on the intelligence, detectives conducted an undercover operation in which an officer posed as a prospective buyer.

The suspects agreed to meet near Khami Prison Canteen, where they entered the undercover vehicle carrying a plastic bag containing 20 pangolin scales. Detectives immediately identified themselves, searched the suspects, and recovered the scales. The accused failed to produce a licence or permit authorising possession of the protected wildlife trophy and were arrested. The scales, weighing approximately 0.176 kilograms, were later confirmed by Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) experts to be genuine pangolin scales.

Ndlovu was convicted on his own plea of guilty and sentenced to the mandatory nine years' imprisonment. His co-accused, Thandile Sibanda (23), denied the charge and remains in custody awaiting trial.

Crime Focus Advisory

Pangolins are among Zimbabwe's most endangered and strictly protected wildlife species. The illegal possession, transportation, sale or purchase of pangolins or their body parts carries severe penalties under the law. Members of the public are encouraged to report wildlife crimes to the Zimbabwe Republic Police or the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority to help protect the country's biodiversity.

Prevent • Protect • Prevail