A father and son from Mutare face potential imprisonment of 18 years after being apprehended for illegal possession of two pangolins, an endangered species. Abraham Chaukura, 50, and his 18-year-old son Abraham Chaukura Junior appeared before Magistrate Honest Musiyiwa at Mutare Magistrates Court on charges that carry a mandatory nine-year sentence per count under the Parks and Wildlife Act.
The arrest followed intelligence reports that the pair was seeking buyers at Watsomba Shopping Centre. Detective Sergeant Sunday Natingwe posed as an interested purchaser, drawing the elder Chaukura into Mutare's central business district. After negotiations near St Dominic's High School, the younger Chaukura emerged with a black satchel containing the animals wrapped in sacking material. Officers revealed their identities upon seeing the pangolins and took both suspects into custody.
Prosecutor Brighton Chiromo is handling the case as the accused remains remanded pending trial continuation.
The arrest followed intelligence reports that the pair was seeking buyers at Watsomba Shopping Centre. Detective Sergeant Sunday Natingwe posed as an interested purchaser, drawing the elder Chaukura into Mutare's central business district. After negotiations near St Dominic's High School, the younger Chaukura emerged with a black satchel containing the animals wrapped in sacking material. Officers revealed their identities upon seeing the pangolins and took both suspects into custody.
Prosecutor Brighton Chiromo is handling the case as the accused remains remanded pending trial continuation.
