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Ivory Tusks

Nonsikelelo Moyo, Chronicle Reporter
AN unrepentant Victoria Falls poacher has been arrested after allegedly being found in possession of two elephant tusks.

The weight and value of the tusks has not been confirmed.

Namatani Ndlovu Lufu (32) of 6525 Mkhosana suburb was arrested when an anti-poaching team comprising police and Zimbabwe National Park and Wildlife Management Authority rangers ambushed him as he allegedly went to hide the tusks in a bush near the Victoria Falls-Bulawayo Road.

Ndlovu, who is not new to the courts, appeared before Victoria Falls magistrate Ms Lindiwe Maphosa charged with possessing raw ivory without a permit under the Parks and Wildlife Act.

He was not asked to plead and was remanded in custody to Thursday this week.

Prosecuting, Mr David Tivakudze said the incident happened on Saturday.

“On Saturday accused reportedly drove a vehicle to a bush along the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls road near Chinotimba suburb with the intention of hiding two elephant tusks. Upon arrival he took the tusks one at a time and hid them in the bush but unknown to him his activities were in full view of the anti-poaching team who immediately arrested him,” said Mr Tivakudze.

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