Four individuals were brought before the court over the weekend following their arrest in a sting operation aimed at combating the illegal ivory trade.
The suspects—Mosper Musumhi (39), Edson Gonamombe (54), Kudakwashe Jim (28), and Irene Kumanda (46)—face charges of unlawful possession of ivory valued at approximately US$2,292.
The group was presented before Harare Magistrate Apollonia Marutya, who ordered them to remain in custody until their next court appearance on February 2.
According to the state prosecutor, Tinotenda Masimba, the operation commenced on January 24 after detectives from the Criminal Investigation Department’s Minerals, Flora, and Fauna Unit received a tip-off regarding individuals in possession of raw ivory. The suspects were reportedly attempting to sell the ivory near the Meru Service Station along Bulawayo Road in White House, Harare.
Acting on this information, the detectives devised a plan to apprehend the suspects. An undercover officer posed as a potential buyer, accompanied by another detective, while four additional officers provided surveillance.
Upon arriving at the designated location, the undercover team initiated negotiations with one of the suspects. After gaining his trust, they agreed to meet across the road from the service station to weigh the ivory and finalize the sale.
As the suspects loaded the ivory into the undercover officers’ vehicle, the backup team moved in swiftly, identifying themselves as law enforcement. They demanded to see permits for the ivory, but none were produced.
The detectives seized the contraband, which weighed 17.12 kilograms and was wrapped in black plastic. During subsequent interviews, the suspects confessed to seeking a buyer and discussed plans to share the sale proceeds.
