A 55-YEAR-OLD man from Harare has been arrested after he
was found in possession of 3kg of cyanide and some pangolin scales.
Danmore Chinjonjo of 3146 Mugwazigwazi Road in Budiriro
suburb allegedly travelled with the cyanide from the capital to Hwange with
suspicions that he wanted to use it to poison wildlife in the Hwange National
Park.
Cyanide is a deadly substance used in the mining industry
and is abused by illegal hunters who administer it in water bodies, salt licks
and fruits to trap animals, especially elephants.
Chinjonjo was arrested on Friday last week after being
found in possession of the cyanide and pangolin scales.
He was charged with violating Section 8(1) as read with
Section 8 (7) of the Environmental Management Control of hazardous substances
(General Regulations 2018) which prohibits storing and transportation of
cyanide without licence from the Environment Management Agency.
He also faces a charge of unlawful possession of a
pangolin. A pangolin is an endangered protected species whose live value is $5
000 and illegal possession of it attracts a mandatory nine-year jail sentence.
Hwange magistrate, Mr Gift Dube, remanded Chinjonjo in
custody to September 9. Prosecuting, Mr Vumizulu Mangena said Chinjonjo was
arrested at Number 1 suburb in Hwange where he was keeping the cyanide in a
plastic bag.
“The accused transported approximately 3kg of cyanide from
Harare to Hwange without a permit. He stored the cyanide in a plastic bag
without the consent of EMA. The accused was arrested on 23 August in Number 1
in Hwange for violating the Acts. He was also found with pangolin scales,” said
the prosecutor.—@nc
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