BULAWAYO- Two men from Kezi appeared before a Bulawayo magistrate on Tuesday facing charges of unlawfully possessing a specially protected animal trophy after they were caught with 26 pangolin scales valued at US$5,000.
Qhubekani Moyo, 35, and Gift Nyoni, 28, were arrested on July 13 at Fourwinds Shopping Centre following a sting operation by detectives from the CID Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit (MFFU).
Pangolins are an endangered species and are protected by law in Zimbabwe.
The National Prosecuting Authority said detectives received a tip-off in March 2025 about individuals illegally dealing in pangolin scales in the Kezi-Maphisa area. Investigators set up a trap and arranged a fake deal, posing as potential buyers.
On the day of the bust, Nyoni allegedly met with the undercover officer at Fourwinds and after brief negotiations, went to a Honda Fit vehicle to collect a black Adidas satchel containing the scales.
Moyo, identified as the second accused, was reportedly waiting outside the vehicle during the exchange.
Police swooped in, identified themselves, and upon searching the satchel, discovered the pangolin scales hidden in a plastic bag. The two failed to produce a licence or permit authorising possession of the endangered animal parts.
The 0.511kg of pangolin scales were seized and later confirmed by Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority experts to be genuine. They are estimated to be worth US$5,000.
Both men were remanded in custody to July 22 after being denied bail.
They each face a mandatory nine-year jail term if convicted.
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