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Daniel Kachere Court correspondent
Three people appeared before a Harare magistrate yesterday charged with unlawful possession of a pangolin. The magistrate, Mr Elijah Makomo, granted the trio $100 bail and remanded them to October 8 for trial.

The three Vivian Fani (51), Garikai Dzenye (36) and Lodin Kupara (34) were arrested on September 8 this year after detectives from the Minerals and Border Control Unit (MBCU) got reports that they were in possession of the protected animal near Lafarge Cement Company in Mabvuku.

The detectives managed to locate their vehicle, a blue Pajero Mini, registration number ADU 5865 parked near the cement company.

They approached the vehicle and identified themselves leading to Dzenye attempting to flee from the scene before two warning shots were fired to stop him.

A search was carried out on the vehicle and a live pangolin was recovered in a white sack which was placed in an empty scud crate in the boot.

The trio was asked to produce documents authorising them to possess the pangolin and they failed leading to their arrest.

The pangolin was handed over to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority where it was valued at $5 000.

Meanwhile, two men appeared before the same magistrate accused of unlawfully possessing elephant tusks.

The duo, Edmore Mikazhu (28) and Collen Mwale (28) were remanded in custody for trial on October 8.