MP Nyanhongo pangolin trial commences
THE trial of Nyanga North legislator, Hubert Nyanhongo and three accomplices who were caught in possession of a live pangolin which they tried to sell at Birchenough Bridge Business Centre in April, kicked off at Chipinge Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Nyanhongo who is being charged with Samuel Samson (42), Misheck Satuku (47) and Positive Mutenda (29) pleaded not guilty when they appeared before senior Chipinge magistrate, Mr Noah Gwatidzo.
They are facing charges of contravening Section 45(1) of the Parks and Wildlife Act.
The quartet was represented by Mr Langton Mhungu of Matutu, Kwirira Associates Law Firm.
Testifying, a witness, Mr Samuel Gona, a ranger employed by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate gave incriminating evidence against the quartet, arguing that the accused were trapped after agreeing to sell the pangolin for $5 000.
“Your Worship on the day in question, we were communicating with Nyanhongo’s driver, Samuel Samson who said they were selling a live pangolin.
“They claimed that they were in Harare.
“At around 4pm, I received a call from Nyanhongo’s driver and I agreed to meet them at Birchenough Bridge Hospital entrance. I went there with other rangers.
“I got into their vehicle and drove towards Masvingo. We stopped at Buhera Turn-off where we negotiated the price. While we were negotiating, Nyanhongo inquired if the cash was there. I instructed them to go and collect it at the business centre.
“We then drove back to the hospital entrance where I lied to them that I was going to collect the cash. I alerted my colleagues. I rushed back into their vehicle and removed the car keys from the ignition. I told them that they were under arrest. My colleagues reacted swiftly and arrested them. We handed them over to the police at a nearby base,” said Mr Gona.
In response, Mr Mhungu said Mr Gona’s action was motivated by the desire to tarnish Nyanhongo’s image.
“Your Worship, my clients deny what the State witness has submitted. On the day in question, the Honourable MP and his team went to his constituency from Harare with his drivers, Positive Mutenda and Samuel Samson.
“When they reached Nyamaropa Business Centre in Nyanga they were stopped by a man identified as Kapenda who is a Zanu-PF activist. He asked for a transport while carrying his bag. My clients did not know what was inside his bag. Nyanhongo and his team proceeded to Chipinge on private business.
“On arrival at Birchenough Bridge Business Centre they were ambushed by police officers who demanded to search their vehicle.
“Kapenda suddenly disappeared and police discovered a bag with a live pangolin in it. His phone was also recovered.
“The rangers rushed to arrest my clients without further investigations. Therefore, Your Worship, I pray for the acquittal of the four accused persons,” said Mr Mhungu
Three other State witnesses were still to testify at the time of going to Press.
Chipinge District prosecutor, Mr Last Goredema prosecuted.