Five arrested with 30 kgs ivory

Updated ivory identification tool helps to combat illegal wildlife trade | WWF

Zim Now Writer

The CID Minerals Flora and Fauna Unit, Harare arrested five suspects for unlawfully possessing approximately 30 kilograms of ivory. Edwell Jori,22, Taurai Chinembiri,40, Josephine Rungwe,40, Last Maurika,33, and Portion Zhuga were arrested on February 13 following a tip-off. The suspects were arrested at White House area.

Ivory is smuggled out of the country through well organised international cartels with most of destined for Asia.

The Wildlife Justice Commission puts prices of ivory in Asia at between US$597 and US$689 per kg.

Zimbabwe is one of the African countries sitting on stock piles of ivory that it cannot sell due to draconic international laws.

Meanwhile, two men were arrested in connection with a robbery case which occurred at Golden Kopje Mine on February 11. Danmore Mutekaire,30, and Aleck Karembera,26, reportedly stole US$350 and ZWL$800 cash after attacking the complainant .

Two other suspects identified as Diva and the gang leader, Clever Mutedzi who is also the complainant’s workmate are on the run.

And in yet another case, the police on Sunday arrested Wellington Moyo,45, and Rangarirai Sibanda,25, for unlawful possession of five live pistol rounds at Charigwati Village, Mayambara.