Senior Citizen Among Trio Arrested for Illegal Ivory Possession in Masvingo

Ivory Tasks [illustrative]

Masvingo, Zimbabwe- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have apprehended three suspects, including a 73-year-old man, in connection with the illegal possession of raw ivory in the Zimuto area of Masvingo. The arrest, executed by detectives from the CID Minerals, Flora, and Fauna Unit (MFFU), resulted in the recovery of four pieces of unmarked elephant tusks.

The crackdown followed a tip-off received by detectives on March 10, 2026, suggesting that individuals were scouting for potential buyers for ivory in Zimuto.

• The Suspects: * Grace Masaiti (48)

  • Norman Bere (38)

  • Richard Madoro (73)

• The Evidence: Upon being intercepted, the trio failed to produce the mandatory permits or licenses required by law to handle or possess wildlife products.

• The Recovery: Police seized four pieces of raw ivory, which will be used as primary evidence in the upcoming trial.

The suspects are charged with violating Section 82 of the Parks and Wildlife Act (Chapter 20:14). Zimbabwe maintains some of the strictest wildlife protection laws in the SADC region to combat the poaching of its elephant population.

Court Date: The trio is scheduled to appear before a Masvingo Magistrate on March 12, 2026.

In a statement issued by Detective Inspector Muteweri, the ZRP Provincial Community Relations Liaison Officer, the police issued a stern warning against the "illegal killing, dealing, and trafficking of wildlife resources." Authorities emphasized that the age of suspects does not grant immunity, as evidenced by the arrest of the 73-year-old Madoro.

Masvingo ivory arrest March 2026