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MIRROR REPORTER

CHIREDZI – Five people from Chiredzi have appeared in court after they were allegedly caught trying to sell two elephant tusks.
They appeared before Provincial Magistrate Moses Musiyiwa on Thursday facing charges of contravening Section 128(b) of the Parks and Wildlife Management Act chapter 20:14, Unlawful possession of ivory.
They pleaded not guilty and were remanded in custody to September 13, 2024.
The suspects are Unity Matsikete (34) of Chiredzi, Enerst Mupasi (56) of Chiredzi, Ameri Dube (69) of Ngwenyeni village, Chief Sengwe area, Ranga Manasa (38) of Chiredzi and Petros Tsikisani (52) of 2468 Chiredzi.
The allegation that on August 29, 2024 at around 11 PM, the five were caught trying to sell elephant tusks to an unidentified buyer in Malipati, Chikombedzi.
Police got a tip off and followed the accused who were riding on a Toyota GD6 with the buyer.
The vehicle stopped and the accused went into a bush to collect the tusks. When they came back to the car they found Police officers and game rangers from Gonarezhou Conservation Trust waiting for them and they were arrested.
The buyer fled the scene.
Moreblessing Rusere prosecuted.