A GWERU police officer has been arrested together with
three accomplices after they were allegedly found in possession of a pangolin
valued at US$5 000.
Sergeant Saulpsio Chiromiri (44) of ZRP Nehanda in Gweru
and his accomplices Innocent Tumburai (35), Rudo Shumba (32), also of Gweru and
Whisper Shenje (36) of Dangamvura Area 16 in Mutare were allegedly arrested
after they tried to sell the animal which is classified as an endangered
species to police officers working undercover in Kwekwe on Monday morning.
Pangolins are threatened by poaching as well as
deforestation in their natural habitats and are the most trafficked mammals in
the world.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul
Nyathi said he was still looking for details regarding the arrest of the police
officer and his accomplices.
However, sources close to the matter told this publication
that the four were arrested for allegedly contravening a section of the Parks
and Wildlife Act Chapter 20:14 and Section 2 of the Parks and Wildlife
(specially protected), regulations, SI 71/20 “unlawful possession of a
specially protected animal”
“On August 17, detectives from Minerals Flora and Fauna
Unit, Kwekwe received information to the effect that the accused persons were
in possession of pangolin in Kwekwe and were offering it for sale.
“Upon receiving information, the detectives posed as buyers
and arranged with the accused persons to meet at Border Town Complex, Kwekwe,”
said a source.
They said the detectives then proceeded to Border Town
Complex where they met the accused persons who were allegedly using a black
Honda fit.
The accused persons, sources said showed the detectives the
pangolin which was in a sack in the vehicle boot and the accused persons
demanded US$4 500.
“The detectives subsequently arrested the accused persons
and recovered the pangolin. The pangolin is valued at US$5 000.
“It was established that accused person number one is a
member of the Zimbabwe Republic Police stationed at ZRP Nehanda, Gweru and is
currently on vacation leave,” said a source.
“The accused persons were interviewed and it was established
that they fetched the pangolin in Mutare. Chronicle
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