A 28-year-old Nkayi man who was caught with five pieces of raw, unmarked ivory worth US$829.60 while allegedly looking for buyers in Gwanda has been sentenced to nine years in prison.
Talent Ndlovu, 28, of Nkayi, was convicted of unlawful possession of raw, unmarked ivory in contravention of the Parks and Wildlife Act by the Gwanda Magistrates’ Court.
The court heard that on August 24, 2026, Ndlovu travelled from Bulawayo to Gwanda carrying five pieces of raw, unmarked ivory intended for sale.
He had concealed the ivory in a blue plastic bag inside a small grey and black travelling bag.
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Upon arriving in Gwanda, he disembarked at Glow Service Station along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Highway and waited at a nearby bus stop for potential buyers while still in possession of the ivory.
Acting on a tip-off, detectives from the Criminal Investigation Department apprehended Ndlovu at the scene.
A search of his bag led to the recovery of five pieces of raw, unmarked ivory weighing 4.88 kilogrammes and valued at US$829.60.
The State proved that Ndlovu had no licence or permit authorising him to possess the ivory, a protected wildlife product.
Following a trial, he was convicted and sentenced to an effective nine years in prison. The recovered ivory was forfeited to the State.
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