Jesika Matsikidze a 60-year old woman who works as a traditional healer in the Chiwundura communal area was sentenced to nine years in prison after she was found in possession of a python skin. Matsikidze was convicted on her own plea of guilty by Kwekwe Magistrate Livard Philemon. She was facing charges of contravening the Parks and Wildlife Management Act, which prohibits anyone from possessing an endangered species without a licence.
In mitigation Matsikidze said:
I use it for my rituals and as medicine. I was not aware that I have to get a licence to keep the python skin.
However, Magistrate Philemon said that it was common knowledge that one needed a permit to keep such a trophy. He sentenced her to the mandatory minimum of nine years in jail.
More: Herald
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