The pangolin is back

MARONDERA- A Mutoko man, Takudzwa Chinomona, was recently arrested for
possessing a live pangolin.

The arrest was done on October 24 around 10pm in Matsenhu Village under Chief
Nyamukoho in Mudzi after Chinomona had gone to the village looking for buyers for
the pangolin.

Police officers received information that the suspect was selling a live pangolin and
one of the officers then pretended to be a potential buyer.
The police officer who was pretending to be a potential buyer contacted the accused
over mobile phone and the two arranged to meet at Chikondoma Business Centre in
Mutoko.

Allegations are that the suspect came and met the police officer at the said spot and
it was agreed that he would sell the pangolin for US$3000
Further allegations indicated that the suspect had not travelled with the pangolin,
saying he had left it in Matsenhu Village Chief Nyamukohwo Mudzi.

He told the police officers, who were in disguise, that they were to meet him at
Gwanza Business Centre where they would collect the live pangolin.

It is reported that the police waited until 3am on the following day and the suspect,
who had fallen for the trap, came holding a white sack with the live pangolin.
The incident was confirmed by the provincial police spokesperson for Mashonaland
East province, Inspector Simon Chazovachiyi.

He said: I can confirm that the man who was illegally selling a live pangolin was
arrested in Mudzi. When he saw the live pangolin which he was selling, the police
officers on the ground gave signals for a back-up team for the arrest of the accused.

“The accused was asked to produce a licence or permit authorising him to possess
the pangolin but he failed, leading to his arrest. On the same day the live pangolin
was taken to the department of Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife and
investigation are still in progress, he said.

He appealed to anyone with information which may assist in arresting the second
suspect, who was an accomplice in the same case.

"We are appealing for information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect's the
accomplice only identified as Baba Muku. Anyone with information can report to the
nearest police station.