Chiredzi Couple’s Alleged Crime Dorrothy Moyo, ZimEye April 11, 2024 A couple from Chiredzi has been thrust into the spotlight after being arrested with raw elephant ivory in their possession. Innocent Chiwanza, 28, and Angeline Sithole, 22, residents of Farm 25 in Hippo Valley, stand accused of a heinous act that highlights the brutal reality of the illegal ivory trade. The couple was apprehended following a midnight raid on March 6, 2024, by game rangers from Malilangwe Trust. Prosecutor Moreblessing Rusere detailed the circumstances leading to the discovery: “Acting on credible intelligence, three rangers conducted a thorough search of the suspects’ residence, uncovering not only the elephant remains but also potential tools of their illicit trade.”Wrapped in a nondescript plastic bag, one of the elephant tusks was found in Chiwanza’s house—a stark symbol of the grotesque trade. “This is not merely wildlife contraband; it’s a relic of a living creature that suffered greatly,” explained an ecologist involved in verifying the ivory.The couple’s defense—that the tusk was a spiritual protector provided by their church—has been met with skepticism. “The claim that this ivory piece was given for protection at an Apostolic shrine is not only unusual but also alarming, considering the implications it has for both wildlife conservation and local religious practices,” stated Rusere. Under their bed, the rangers found two spears, arrows, and a knife, tools which paint a grim picture of the couple’s alleged involvement in poaching. This assortment of weaponry, juxtaposed with the sacred claims tied to the ivory, presents a complex narrative about the intersections of culture, crime, and conservation.The magistrate presiding over the case, Diana Masiiwa, has remanded the couple to custody pending a further hearing on April 12, 2024. The case has sparked outrage and a renewed call for stringent measures against poaching. Conservationists are particularly vocal about the implications of such cases.“Each piece of ivory represents a dead elephant and a step closer to the extinction of these majestic creatures,” remarked a spokesperson from the Malilangwe Trust. “It is imperative that we stop these criminals who are stripping our Earth of its natural heritage for mere profit.”The arrest of Chiwanza and Sithole is not an isolated incident but a snapshot of a pervasive problem affecting wildlife across Africa and the globe. The illegal ivory trade thrives on the exploitation of natural resources and the decimation of animal populations. As the legal proceedings unfold, this case serves as a somber reminder of the dark paths tread by those who seek to profit from the planet’s most vulnerable species. It underscores the necessity for vigilant enforcement of wildlife protection laws and greater awareness and education regarding the critical state of elephants in the wild. “This case must act as a deterrent to those who believe they can illegally trade in ivory without consequence,” said a conservation expert. “We must continue to advocate for the elephants, who cannot speak for themselves but whose presence is vital for ecological balance.”As Chiwanza and Sithole face the consequences of their actions, the world watches and waits, hoping for justice for the voiceless and a future where such tragedies become a distant memory. https://www.zimeye.net/2024/04/11/ivory-for-magic-powers-chiredzi-couple-arrested/