The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the arrest of nine suspects in two separate sting operations in Cranborne, Harare, and Victoria Falls, leading to the recovery of over 40 pieces of raw ivory and pangolin scales.
ZRP National Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the suspects were caught attempting to sell the ivory and other protected animal products to potential buyers.
He warned members of the public against participating in the illegal wildlife trade, describing it as a serious offence under Zimbabwean law.
In the first case, ZRP CID Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit in Harare arrested Masauso Nevhaya (48), Priscilla Chabata (52), Wonder Bozho (51) and Stanford Mbiriyakura (49) on 30 May 2025, following a tip-off.
The suspects were arrested at Chabata’s residence in Cranborne, where 41 pieces of ivory weighing 237 kilograms were recovered.
In a separate operation on the same day near the Victoria Falls truck stop, police arrested Lizwelibanzi Ndlovu (42), Philani Ndlovu (29), Makhosini Sibanda (30), Shoti Shoko (53) and Michael Muleya (32).
The group was found in possession of raw ivory and pangolin scales, which they allegedly intended to sell illegally.
Zimbabwe is home to some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife species, including elephants and pangolins, both of which are protected under national and international conservation laws.
The illegal ivory trade has long been a major threat to elephant populations across the continent, prompting intensified efforts by authorities and conservation groups to curb poaching and trafficking.
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