Three poachers will spend the next nine years in prison after a Harare magistrate slapped them with the mandatory sentence for illegal possession of elephant tusks. Chitungwiza based Collen Dick, 49, and Christopher Chipata, 41, and Alwis Paundi, 32, of Murehwa were convicted after a full trial.
Upon their arrest, the trio reportedly conceded the charges, telling police officers that they obtained the tusks from Hurungwe with the intention of getting buyers. They however, disowned the claimed concession in court, arguing that they were coerced to admit the charges.
Court heard that all three were arrested last November after the ZRP received a tip-off from an informer. Acting upon the information, detectives went to Huruyadzo Shopping Centre in Chitungwiza and managed to identify the trio. The cops monitored their movements and then followed them as they left the shopping centre for Chapata’s home.
On arrival at the property, the cops identified themselves and started searching the house.
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