Zims charged with unlawful possession of tusk

NDINGILILO GAOSWEDIWE and THATO MARAPO
Correspondents | Wednesday August 19, 2009 00:00

Two accused persons, Fortunate Mwanza (29) and Prince Sakurita (26) seemed befuddled by the proceedings, agreeing with everything put to them by both the prosecutor and the magistrate.

At one stage, Principal Magistrate Peggy Madandume had to intervene to clarify certain phrases before the accused made their pleas.

Prosecutor Osefile Mmitseng of the Diamond and Narcotics Squad said the investigations were completed.

The Harare-born Zimbabweans were remanded pending the reading of the facts of the case.

As the two remained transfixed in the dock, Mwanza, who does not understand much English, wanted to know whether her co-accused had betrayed her. 'I do not know what he was saying because I don't understand the language he is using,' she said.

The magistrate allayed her fears by saying she was not (yet) asking for evidence.

'I am still going to prepare a summary of (the) facts where you are going to either agree of deny,' the magistrate said.

The charge sheet says the accused persons were arrested at Savemore Shopping Complex at Borolong Village for being in possession of an unlicensed elephant tusk weighing 2.108 kilograms and valued at P2,405.25.on August 1, 2009.

Upon arrest, the accused were charged under Section 68 (1) and Section 68 (2) of the Wildlife Conservation and National Parks Act Caps 38:01 of the Laws of Botswana.