BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
A Binga villager has been arrested after he was found with four elephant tusks at the weekend.
Zachariah Nyoni (44), from Bulubbuza 44 village in Lusulu, was arrested in a bush near Nagangala village by team comprising a police officer, two Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority rangers and two members of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation on August 28.
Matabeleland North police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Glory Banda said Nyoni had been charged with “Unlawful possession of raw ivory.”
Banda said on August 28 at around 11AM, Siabuwa police received a tip-off that Nyoni had gone to collect elephant tusks at Chete Safaris near Nagangala River along the Binga-Siabuwa road.
The team that was dispatched to track him down, found Nyoni seated about 100 meters from the Siabuwa-Binga road.
“Upon seeing the team approaching the accused tried to run away, but was apprehended,” Banda said.
“The accused person was found in possession of four elephant tusks weighing seven kilogrammes and valued at US$1 190.”
Banda said investigations were still underway and Nyoni was being held by police in Siabuwa.