A GWANDA-based nurse, who was caught by detectives with a
python skin worth US$5 000, has approached the High Court seeking bail pending
trial.
Millicent Sibanda (27) is facing charges of illegal
possession of specially protected animal trophy (python skin) in violation of
the Parks and Wildlife Act.
Sibanda, through her lawyers Samp Mlaudzi and Partners,
filed an application for bail pending trial at the Bulawayo High Court citing
the State as a respondent.
In her bail statement, Sibanda is denying the charge,
arguing that she only boarded a taxi which was carrying a python skin.
“I aver that I had no knowledge of the contents of the bag,
which was in the car I had boarded. In actual fact, I only boarded the taxi
which was being driven by a certain man I later got to know as Tendekai
Zungunde and there was also another woman seated in the front seat. I did not
bother to check what was inside the car,” said Sibanda.
She argued that the State had no compelling reasons
warranting her continued detention. She said if granted bail she would not
abscond.
“I am an adult of fixed abode, gainfully employed as a
professional nurse and therefore have strong ties in the community. I have a
good defence and as such I am not a flight risk. I am a suitable candidate for
bail as there are no compelling reasons to deny me bail,” said Sibanda.
The State, which is being represented by Mrs Sifiso
Ndlovu-Sibanda, opposed the application, arguing that the applicant was likely
to abscond if released on bail since she is facing a serious offence which
attracts a lengthy jail term.
“The applicant was caught red-handed and she is facing a
serious charge such that if convicted she is likely to face imprisonment of not
less than nine years. It would not be in the interest of justice to admit the
applicant to bail as there is overwhelming evidence against her largely because
the python skin was found in her possession,” said Mrs Ndlovu-Sibanda
According to papers before the court, on March 22 at around
9AM, police detectives received a tip off that Sibanda and her accomplice
Zungunde (25) were spotted with a python skin hidden in a Toyota Raum.
The cops proceeded to a spot between Herbert Chitepo Street
and Connaught Avenue in Bulawayo where Sibanda and her accomplice had parked
their car.
They found Sibanda seated at the back holding a bag with
Zungunde seated on the driver’s seat. There was also another woman identified
as Sibongiseni Ncube who had occupied the front passenger seat.
The detectives requested to search the car during which
they recovered the python skin hidden in a bag, which Sibanda was carrying. She
failed to produce a permit leading to her arrest.
Investigations revealed that Sibanda had brought the skin
intending to give it to Zungunde to sell. Chronicle
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