Marondera Man Arrested Trying To Sell Eight Lion Teeth Worth US$20 000
A 37-year-old Marondera man was arrested in Harare after trying to sell eight lion teeth valued at US$20 000.
Kenias Sekero was reportedly caught during an undercover police operation after detectives received information that he was looking for buyers for the wildlife trophies.
Detectives Pose As Buyers
According to The Herald, detectives from the CID Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit (MFFU) in Harare launched the operation after receiving the tip-off on September 5.
They obtained Sekero’s cellphone number and contacted him while posing as potential buyers.
The detectives eventually arranged to meet him at Africa Unity Square in central Harare.
Three officers travelled to the agreed location in a service vehicle and parked along Third Street.
Lion Teeth Displayed
At around 11:30am, Sekero arrived and entered the vehicle before taking the front passenger seat.
The State alleges that he then removed a wrapped bank paper from his left trouser pocket.
He reportedly opened the package and showed the undercover officers eight lion teeth.
Sekero quoted US$150 for the lion canine teeth and US$130 for five lion incisors.
The detectives then alerted their back-up team, which moved in and arrested him.
No Permit Produced
Sekero was unable to produce a valid permit allowing him to possess or sell the wildlife trophies, according to the State.
The recovered teeth were subsequently examined in his presence by Everisto Simayo, an official from the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.
The examination established that the items comprised three lion canine teeth and five lion incisor teeth.
The trophies were believed to have been removed from a lion and were valued at US$20 000.
Man Appears In Court
Sekero later appeared before Harare magistrate Lisah Mutendereki on Monday.
He is facing charges of trafficking in wildlife trophies without a permit.
Sekero pleaded guilty to the charge and is awaiting sentencing.
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