The Sunday News
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
A FAMOUS traditional healer from Binga has been found with python and pangolin skins worth a combined value of $13 000.
Jerry Mwembe (44) of Chempongo Village, Kabuba in Lusulu, Binga recently appeared before Hwange provincial magistrate Mr Livard Philemon facing charges of illegal possession of animal trophies without a permit.
He was remanded out of custody to 26 September for judgment. Mwembe, through his lawyer, Mr Thulani Nkala of Dube and Company vehemently denied the accusations arguing that he was being framed as his ancestors had never told him to use pangolin or python skins to cure people.
“Your worship, I’m actually seeing these skins here in court for the first time. They were never in my possession. These allegations against me are false. I’m being framed for something I didn’t do.
“My ancestors have never advised me to use something which has got blood, I only use herbs. I have never used skins from either a python snake or pangolin,” he said while giving his defence.
It is the State’s case that on 4 April at around 8pm, ZimParks investigation rangers and detectives from CID Minerals Fauna and Flora Unit who were on patrol received information to the effect that there was a parked navy blue Pajero Mistubishi car at Mswazi turn off with two pangolin skins inside.
“Acting upon the information the patrol team, drove to the site and upon arrival at around 9pm, Detective Constable Lunga and Trust Mudimba approached the parked motor vehicle and then introduced themselves to the accused.
“After learning who they were, accused fled from the scene and a chase was made by Mudimba.
“Three warning shots were subsequently fired by Mudimba forcing him to stop,” Prosecutor Ms Jenamiso Makanza told the court.
Mwembe was escorted back to his car where a search was conducted in his presence by the team leading to the recovery of two pangolin skins resulting in his arrest after he failed to produce a permit.
The recovered pangolin scales valued at $10 000 and Mwembe’s car were held and presented in court as part of evidence.
The following day Mwembe led the team to his homestead where two python skins were recovered in his bedroom. He again failed to produce a permit of the two python skins value at $3 000.
