A 57-year-old Chinese man has been jailed for 18 years after he was convicted of two counts of breaching the Wildlife Act.
Cong Yanzhong appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court, where he was sentenced to an effective 18 years in prison for two counts of unlawfully dealing in wildlife.
The convict who resides in Harare was arrested on July 16.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe proved that on July 16, police detectives received a tip-off to the effect that the offender was involved in illegal wildlife products.
Acting on the information, the detectives located and followed him.
He was seen carrying a black satchel and a brown carrier bag, matching the informant’s description.
Upon searching him, they found three shrink-wrapped rhinoceros horns.
He failed to produce a permit or licence for the horns and was arrested.
The rhinoceros’ horns weighed 7.7 kilograms and were valued at US$240,000.
Police detectives also searched the offender’s house and uncovered four pieces of raw ivory weighing 36.15 kilograms valued US$6, 146.
This sentencing sends a strong message that Zimbabwe has zero tolerance for wildlife crime.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to protect our precious natural heritage and ensure that those who seek to profit from the destruction of our wildlife face the full force of the law.
