Seven Chinese nationals were arrested in Victoria Falls after they were found in possession of more than 20kg of rhino horn pieces with a combined value of close to $1 million.
Zeng Dengui (35), Peicon Jang (35), Liu Cheng (23), Yu Xian (25), Yong Zhu (25), Chen Zhiangfu (30) and Qui Jinchang (29) were arrested following a search at their rented house in Aerodrome suburb on Sunday morning. The rhino pieces were allegedly hidden in plastic bags and boxes. Police received a tipped off and applied for a search warrant before raiding the house on Sunday morning. The total value of the rhino horn pieces is $938 700.
The seven were remanded in custody to Thursday next week when they appeared before Victoria Falls magistrate Ms Rangarirai Gakanje yesterday. They were not formally charged with contravening Section 45(1) (b) of the Parks and Wildlife Act Chapter 20:14 As read with Section 128(b) of the same Act. The sections criminalise keeping, possessing, selling or disposing of any live specially protected animal, meat or trophy of any such animal.
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