A MAN from Bulawayo has been arrested for illegal possession of raw ivory.
The accused, Blessed Matibenga, is suspected to be a poacher.
National Police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest.
“A 29-year-old man identified as Blessed Matibenga has since been arrested for illegal possession of an elephant tusk,” Nyathi said in a statement.
He said on January 31, 2025, police in Bulawayo acted on a tip-off and arrested Matibenga for possession of raw, unmarked and unregistered ivory at Amakhosi Service Station along the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road.
He failed to produce a permit authorising him to possess the ivory, leading to his arrest.