A Victoria Falls man sustained life-threatening body and facial injuries after he was assaulted by police and Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority officials, his lawyers recently told a magistrate.
Leonard Ndebele (33), who is being represented by Nomusa Khumalo of Mvhiringi and Associates Legal Practitioners, was arrested after being found with two elephant tusks.
Victoria Falls resident magistrate Lindiwe Maphosa ordered that Ndebele should be referred to Victoria Falls Hospital before his plea after physically observing his facial injuries when he recently appeared in court.
Prosecutors told the court that on 21 February 2022, at around 6 pm and along the Kazungula road near Victoria Falls Primary School, Ndebele was found in possession of two elephant tusks.
It was further alleged that Ndebele intended to sell the ivory to a man identified in court papers at Stanley Mhaka.
In her ruling, the magistrate ordered that Ndebele should be first taken to the hospital and a medical report be sent back to court before his bail application could be heard.
Ndebele will appear in court again on 9 March for further remand.