MP in the dock on wildlife trafficking charges

A Zanu-PF MP has gone on trial in Zimbabwe on charges of illegally possessing a pangolin. Legalbrief reports that the anteaters are the most illegally trafficked mammals in the world and their scales are used in traditional Asian medicines. The Manica Post notes that Hubert Nyanhongo and his three co-accused have pleaded not guilty to the crime, which carries a mandatory nine-year jail term. Game ranger Samuel Gona told the Chipenge court that the accused were trapped after agreeing to sell the pangolin for $5 000.