Gokwe Man Sentenced 9 Years For Unlawful Possession of ivory

A 30-year-old man from Bharabhara village has been sentenced to nine years in prison for unlawful possession of raw, unmarked ivory.

The Gokwe Magistrates’ Court convicted Emmanuel Sinamapanda of Bharabhara village under Chief Semuchembu and imposed the mandatory minimum sentence after finding no special circumstances to justify a lesser penalty.

According to the statement issued by the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, offender was sentenced to the mandatory minimum after the court found no special circumstances.

Sinamapanda was arrested on 23 February 2026 at the Sabala river bridge in the Chitekete area during a sting operation. Detectives and Parks and Wildlife officials, acting on a tip-off, posed as potential buyers.

“After a brief negotiation, the offender and an accomplice produced a sack containing the ivory, but they attempted to flee after sensing danger, a chase ensued leading to the apprehension of the offender and the recovery of five pieces of raw ivory.”the NPAZ said.

The recovered ivory weighed a total of 19.83 kilograms, made up of five pieces weighing 4.10kg, 3.08kg, 4.45kg, 4.25kg, and 3.95kg respectively. The ivory was valued at US$3,366.00.

The NPAZ said poaching and illegal wildlife trade are serious offences and warned that offenders will face stiff penalties.

“Poaching and illegal wildlife trade are serious offences, and the NPAZ warns that offenders will face stiff penalties. The public is urged to report any suspected poaching to authorities.” the authority said.