ZRP PRESS STATEMENT                                                           07 APRIL 2022

THREE NABBED FOR POSSESSION OF LIVE PANGOLINS

The Zimbabwe Republic Police’sCriminal Investigation Department (CID) Chipinge Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit, has arrested three suspects for unlawful possession of two live pangolins. The three suspects areLovemore Dheya, aged 39 years, not employed, Justice Faya, aged 42 years , employed as a teacher and Pinias Chauke, aged 31 years, a nurse, all of Checheche, Chipinge.

On 4 April 2022, police detectives in Chipinge got wind that the three accused persons were in possession of a live pangolin in Chibuwe which they intended to sell at a business centre in Chipinge.

Acting on the information, police quickly reacted to the call and mounted a roadblock together with the Chipinge Safari crew. They searched all vehicles that passed through the roadblock and they recovered two live pangolins from one of the vehicles leading to the arrest of the three. The pangolins were in a 20 litre container that was stashed in a sack in the boot of the motor vehicle. The three were taken to court and were remanded to 11 April 2022 for trial.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police warns the public against poaching of wildlife. According to the Parks and Wildlife Act, it is an offence for one to hunt any animal on any land without a permit. Please be warned that, illegal killing and trafficking of any endangered wildlife attracts a mandatory lengthy sentence of nine year jail term.

(NYATHI. P) Assistant Commissioner

Senior Staff Officer (Press and Public Relations)

to the Commissioner General of Police

Police General Headquarters