Luck runs out for pangolin poachers
A crack team of detectives from the Minerals, Fauna and Flora Unit in Mutare had to use firepower to subdue poachers in Rusape who were selling two pangolins with a street value of more than US$15 000.
The cops, who pretended to be buyers of the protected species, wrestled with the criminals before firing several shots in a bid to subdue them.
Although some of the suspects fled during the ensuing melee, they were later accounted for as the detectives later conducted a spirited search the following day.
Seemylogy Chigoora (34), Action Chiroodza (45) and Enough Nyamandi (25) who are all based in Rusape have since been hauled before Mutare provincial magistrate, Mr Richard Ramaboa on charges of contravening the Parks and Wildlife Act.
They were remanded in custody to January 20 for routine remand.
It is alleged that on January 5, detectives received information that there were poachers in Rusape who were in possession of two live pangolins.
On the same day, a team of detectives made up of Detective Assistant Inspector Joseph Ngorima and detective sergeants, Somerai Vhurumuku, Simon Mutarwa and Tapfumaneyi Muzondo proceeded to Rusape to meet the suspects disguised as buyers.
They met the three accused persons at Hwedza Turn-off.
The suspects were driving in a silver Toyota Corolla (ACW 2580) which is registered in James Chikodzi’s name.
The detectives who at first acted as genuine buyers and were shown the two pangolins, later identified themselves and informed the suspects of their mission.
They recovered the pangolins which were placed in a white sack.
In a flash, Chiroodza who was seated on the driver’s seat opened the door and took to his heels.
Hebert Gore who was standing outside the Toyota Corolla also fled upon realising that the potential buyers were cops.
The detectives fired several shots towards the fleeing suspects, but they did not stop.
Nyamandi who was seated in another vehicle drove off at high speed after he found out that the deal had turned sour.
The detectives managed to apprehend Chigoora.
During interrogation, Chigoora implicated his accomplices.
He told the cops that he had teamed up with his accomplices and went to Ruwangwe in Nyanga where they received the pangolins from their suppliers in Mozambique.
The following day, the detectives made a follow-up of the outstanding suspects and managed to arrest Chiroodza and Nyamandi in Rusape.
Following their arrest, the duo professed ignorance over the pangolins, saying they were only hired by Chigoora and the fugitive Gore to transport the animals from Ruwangwe in Nyanga.