Harare, (New Ziana) – Two Bulawayo men were this week convicted and sentenced to lengthy prison terms for the illegal possession of raw ivory in Bulawayo.

Hlupani Austin Sibanda, 60, and Elimone Nkomo, 49, were apprehended on April 11th, 2024 after police received a tip-off that the pair were attempting to sell 21.75 kilograms of unmarked ivory at the Entumbane High School turnoff.

Upon searching the suspects, the police discovered the pair were carrying a white sack containing the illicit ivory. Neither man was able to produce a permit authorizing them to possess the elephant tusks.

The Tredgold Magistrates’ Court convicted Sibanda and Nkomo of violating the Parks and Wildlife Act.

Given the serious nature of the offense, the magistrate handed down harsh sentences – Sibanda, a repeat offender, received 11 years in prison, while Nkomo was sentenced to 9 years behind bars.

The confiscated ivory will be securely stored by the National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, which is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the county’s wildlife laws.

New Ziana