In a peculiar turn of events, a man from Mutorashanga found himself in trouble after being caught in possession of various animal parts believed to have been intended for a prophetic ceremony. Victor Amoni (28) was apprehended alongside Wilson Bashiru (26) at Makuti Hotel by police officers working in collaboration with the International Anti-Poaching Foundation.
The law enforcement agents, after identifying themselves, promptly conducted a search of the satchel carried by the accused individuals. To their surprise, they discovered several wildlife parts concealed inside. Among the items found were the nose and tail of a hyena, as well as the trotters, nose, and skull of an aardvark, commonly known as an antbear. Additionally, a vulture skull was also uncovered.
Authorities requested Amoni and Bashiru to produce the necessary permits or licenses permitting them to possess such wildlife parts, but they were unable to do so.
Following the court proceedings, Amoni received a sentence of 12 months imprisonment, with three months set aside on the condition of good behavior. Furthermore, an additional nine months of the sentence were suspended, provided that he completes 315 hours of community service at Dariston Farm Secondary School in Mutorashanga. Additionally, Amoni was ordered to compensate the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZimParks) with the sum of US$4,000.
During mitigation, the court took into account that Amoni was a first-time offender and the sole breadwinner, responsible for supporting his grandmother on a meager income. When questioned about the purpose behind possessing the animal parts, the accused claimed that he was asked by someone named Karo to bring them for an anointing ceremony, supposedly to become a prophet.
The incident has raised concerns about the illegal wildlife trade and the exploitation of animal parts for superstitious beliefs and rituals.
