By Dex
HARARE — Six men have been arrested after they were allegedly found in possession of raw ivory valued at US$23,303.50, which they were reportedly attempting to sell in Harare’s central business district.
The accused are Jarvis Katwali (46), Archibald Emson Runyowa (60), More Nyamasoka (54), Chipinge Energy Gwanangura (64), Norman Chipangura (30) and Maxwell Maroodza (39).
The six appeared before Harare Magistrate Lisa Mutendereki yesterday, following their arrest by detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit.
According to the State’s case, detectives received information on Sunday that a group of individuals was allegedly in possession of ivory and was looking for potential buyers in Harare’s CBD.
Acting on the information, detectives reportedly launched a controlled operation, with one officer allegedly posing as a prospective buyer interested in purchasing the ivory.
The suspects allegedly agreed to meet at the corner of Sixth Street and Baines Avenue, where negotiations over the proposed sale were expected to take place.
Prosecutors allege that during the negotiations, the parties agreed on a price of US$1,130 per kilogramme. The court was told that some of the accused persons subsequently went to a nearby vehicle and allegedly returned with pieces of ivory.
The State further alleged that four pieces of raw ivory were then produced and placed on a digital scale to determine their total weight.
After the purported buyer allegedly confirmed that the ivory had been brought to the meeting point, detectives moved in and arrested the suspects.
According to the State, some of the accused allegedly attempted to escape in a Toyota Hilux, while others remained at the scene where the ivory was being weighed.
Police reportedly recovered four pieces of unmarked raw ivory weighing 13.55 kilogrammes. The ivory was valued at US$23,303.50.
The investigation further alleges that the ivory had been obtained from another individual based in Crowhill, Harare.
The case highlights the continued efforts by law enforcement authorities to combat the illegal possession and trafficking of wildlife products. Ivory remains a highly protected wildlife product, and its illegal trade contributes to the poaching of elephants and threatens wildlife conservation efforts.
The six accused persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
www.crimefocus.co.zw
COMMENTS