Man Fined US$300 After Being Caught Trafficking Lion Teeth

A 37-year-old Marondera man has been fined US$300 after being convicted of illegally possessing and attempting to sell eight lion teeth valued at approximately US$20,000.

Kenias Sekero pleaded guilty to violating provisions of the Parks and Wildlife Act and was ordered to settle the fine by September 25. Failure to pay will result in a six-month prison sentence.

Sekero was arrested on September 5 after allegedly attempting to sell the lion teeth in Harare’s Central Business District.

The recovered items consisted of three lion canine teeth and five incisors.

Following his conviction, the court directed that the lion teeth be handed over to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) for safekeeping.

The case highlights the country’s efforts to combat the illegal trade in wildlife products, with Zimbabwean law prohibiting the unauthorised possession, sale and trafficking of protected animal parts.

Sekero was convicted in terms of Section 59 of the Parks and Wildlife Act.