A 28-year-old man from Nkayi, Talent Nalovu, has been sentenced to an effective nine years in prison by the Gwanda Magistrates’ Court for unlawful possession of raw, unmarked ivory valued at US$829.60.
In a statement, yesterday, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said Nalovu was arrested on August 24, 2026, after travelling from Bulawayo to Gwanda with five pieces of ivory intended for sale.
“The offender travelled from Bulawayo to Gwanda with five pieces of raw, unmarked ivory intended for sale. He concealed the ivory in a blue plastic bag placed inside a small grey-and-black travelling bag.
Upon arriving in Gwanda, Nalovu reportedly disembarked at Glow Service Station along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Highway before waiting at a nearby bus stop for potential buyers while still carrying the ivory,” the Authority added.
Police detectives, acting on a tip-off, responded to the area and apprehended him. A subsequent search of his travelling bag uncovered five pieces of raw, unmarked ivory weighing 4.88 kilogrammes.
“The offender failed to produce a licence or permit authorising possession of the ivory,” the NPAZ said.
Following trial, the court convicted Nalovu and sentenced him to an effective nine years’ imprisonment. The recovered ivory was also forfeited to the State.
The NPAZ warned that unlawful possession and trafficking of wildlife products threatened endangered species and undermined conservation efforts aimed at protecting Zimbabwe’s wildlife heritage.
“The NPAZ urges the public to protect Zimbabwe’s wildlife heritage by reporting wildlife crimes and remains committed to prosecuting offenders to ensure accountability,” the authority said.
The case highlights the legal consequences of possessing and attempting to sell wildlife products without the required authorisation, as authorities continue efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade.
