ZIMBABWE – A native doctor from  Gweshe 2 village in Siakobvu was arrested after he was found in possession of python skin with an estimated street value of  US$2 000.

Matirikisi Dzomba (51) was arrested after he tried to sell the python skin to Zimbabwe Parks Authority (ZimParks) rangers, who had posed as potential buyers.

According to reports,  Dzomba was last week arraigned before Chinhoyi magistrate, Tendai Banda facing charges of contravening part of the Parks and Wildlife Act, related to the “possession of a python skin without a permit.”

It is in the state’s case that on the 2nd of  February 2021 at around 5:30 pm, ZimParks ranger Herbert Makiyi got a tip-off the Dzomba had a python skin at his homestead.

After getting the tip-off, Makiyi teamed up together with Tazvishaya Dhinhiwe whom he works with at the Mutasadonha National Park, and approached Dzomba before misrepresenting that they wanted to buy the python skin.

Hoodwinked into thinking that they actually wanted to buy the python skin, an unsuspecting Dzomba went into his house and emerged with a small sack containing the python skin measuring 2,48metres. He was immediately arrested on the spot.

Dzomba pleaded guilty to contravening part of the Parks and Wildlife Act. He was remanded in custody to the 26th of March 2021.

Possession of endangered animal species or their trophies is illegal in Zimbabwe. A number of people have been arrested and jailed after they were found in possession of endangered animal species.

In Zimbabwe, illegal possession of endangered animal species attracts a mandatory custodial nine-year jail term.