In a recent court case, Tawanda Kakora, a resident of Nyamaropa Village in Mt Darwin, has been sentenced to a mandatory nine-year jail term for his involvement in the possession and attempted sale of a live pangolin.
The sentencing took place at the Bindura Magistrates’ Court, where Kakora, aged 34, was found guilty and received the stern penalty.
During the hearing, Bindura magistrate Mrs. Nomgugu Sibanda emphasized that no special circumstances were present to warrant leniency in the case. The severity of the sentence reflects the serious nature of the offence committed.
According to the prosecution led by Mr. Carson Kundiona, the arrest of Kakora occurred following information received by detectives from CID Bindura on September 30. Acting undercover as potential buyers, the detectives engaged in communication with Kakora, ultimately arranging a meeting in Centenary.
During their interaction, Kakora quoted a price of US$5 000 for the pangolin. Subsequently, he led the detectives to his residence, where he revealed the live pangolin kept in one of the rooms.
In a separate but similar case, Douglas Chikandiwa, a 36-year-old individual from Mbizo, Kwekwe, is also facing charges related to the possession and attempted sale of a live pangolin. Chikandiwa’s trial is currently underway at the same court, with Mrs. Carol Mupazviriwo serving as the prosecutor.
The illegal trade and exploitation of pangolins, as protected wildlife species, is a grave concern due to their critically endangered status. The law enforcement authorities continue to combat such activities to safeguard these unique creatures and preserve biodiversity.
The sentencing of Tawanda Kakora serves as a reminder of the serious consequences associated with the illegal trade of protected wildlife, aiming to deter others from engaging in similar activities that endanger our natural heritage.
Source:Myzimbabwe
