Traditional Healer Appears in Court Over Illegal Possession of Endangered Species Specimens
GOKWE – Cephas Zimuti (54) and his co-accused Eliel Fisher (26) appeared before Gokwe Magistrate Honest Musiiwa, facing charges of illegal possession of endangered species trophies.
The duo was arrested on November 12, 2024, near Kambasha Business Centre in Gokwe, after police received a tip-off that they were in possession of animal trophies and were meeting potential buyers.
Detectives made the arrest after they were unable to produce permits for the seized items.
Prosecutor Tatenda Angella Mandishona told the court that the seized goods, which include two full leopard skins weighing 3kg, a hedgehog skin weighing 0.050kg and two pangolin skins with 88 scales weighing 0.35kg, valued at US$41,500, were found in the duo’s possession without the necessary permits.
Zimuti claims to be a certified traditional healer and alleges that the trophies belonged to his late grandfather, who had entrusted him with their safekeeping.
The case is ongoing.
