Zimbabwe’s courts have once again sent a strong warning to wildlife traffickers after a 61-year-old man was jailed for unlawful possession of pangolin scales, in a week that also saw harsh sentences for copper cable theft and armed robbery.
In a press statement dated 15 February 2026, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed a series of convictions secured across the country during the week ending 12 February 2026. Police spokesman Commissioner Paul Nyathi said:
“Emmanuel Malawo (61) was convicted and sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of pangolin scales in Victoria Falls.”
Pangolins, often described as the most trafficked mammals in the world, are protected under Zimbabwean law and international conventions. In Zimbabwe, the animal is listed under the Parks and Wildlife Act, and possession of a live pangolin or its scales without a permit attracts lengthy custodial sentences.
Why Pangolins Are Targeted
Historically, pangolins have been hunted for their meat and scales. In some Asian markets, the scales are falsely believed to have medicinal properties, while the meat is considered a delicacy. This demand has fuelled a lucrative black market stretching from Southern Africa to parts of Asia.
Zimbabwe has become both a source and transit country in this illegal trade, with syndicates exploiting porous borders and regional transport routes. Conservationists warn that continued poaching threatens local populations, particularly in areas bordering national parks such as Hwange and Victoria Falls.
Authorities have, however, intensified crackdowns, working with regional partners under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) framework to curb cross-border wildlife trafficking.
Copper Cable Theft: A Growing Infrastructure Crisis
The same police statement also highlighted another crime wreaking havoc on the country’s economy, copper cable theft. The statement read:
“Clive Chaparapata (31) was convicted of theft of copper cables and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. He was apprehended while cutting copper cables from ZETDC conductors in Mazowe.”
Copper cables, largely stolen from Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) infrastructure, are highly sought after on the black market. The metal is smelted and resold locally or smuggled into neighbouring countries within SADC, where it is either recycled or exported to international markets.
The impact is severe. Entire communities are plunged into darkness, businesses suffer production losses, hospitals and schools face power disruptions, and the national grid incurs millions of dollars in repair costs annually. In some cases, vandalised cables disrupt water pumping stations, affecting urban and rural water supplies.
Across SADC, countries such as South Africa, Zambia and Botswana have reported similar syndicates targeting railway lines, telecommunications infrastructure and electricity networks. The regional nature of the crime has prompted joint operations and intelligence sharing among law enforcement agencies.
Other Convictions
Police also confirmed that:
“Recent Zhou (25) was convicted of robbery and attempted murder and sentenced to 17 years imprisonment. On 3rd February 2026, in Masvingo, the accused struck the complainant once on the head with a knobkerrie, robbed him of his valuables and set the complainant’s hut on fire.
Watson Simango (42) and Timothy Jekero (45) were convicted of armed robbery. On 27th December 2025, the two accused, armed with pistols, attacked a complainant at his workstation in Chikombedzi, Chiredzi and robbed him of ZAR 254 890. They were each sentenced to 12 years imprisonment.”
Police Applaud Public Cooperation
The statement added:
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police applauds members of the public for supplying information that led to the arrest of the suspects. The public is urged to continue reporting criminal activities through the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or via WhatsApp on 0712 800 187.”
The latest convictions underscore the courts’ firm stance against environmental crimes and infrastructure vandalism, offences authorities say undermine national development, biodiversity conservation and regional stability.
As wildlife trafficking networks and copper syndicates grow more sophisticated, law enforcement agencies appear equally determined to ensure that offenders face the full weight of the law.
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