Man found in possession of live pangolin jailed for nine years

ZIMSPHERE 

BINDURA – A Bindura Magistrate has sentenced 36-year-old Douglas Chikandiwa to nine years in prison for contravening the Parks and Wildlife Act. Chikandiwa was found in possession of a live pangolin, an act that is illegal without the proper permit or license.

Image: World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

On October 13, 2023, officials from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) received a tip-off that Chikandiwa was attempting to sell the pangolin. 

Posing as potential buyers, the officials arranged a meeting with Chikandiwa in Mazowe.

Upon his arrival at the meeting venue, Chikandiwa was apprehended and a subsequent search of his Nissan Tiida vehicle led to the discovery of the live pangolin. 

When asked to produce a permit or license for the pangolin, Chikandiwa was unable to do so, leading to his arrest.