Two men were arrested on Tuesday at a shopping centre in Eastlea, Harare, while attempting to sell a hyena nose.
Andrew Makusele, from Goromonzi, and John Jelester, from Kuwadzana, were caught while seeking potential buyers.
Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri, spokesperson for the Criminal Investigations Department, confirmed the arrests to local media.
She warned the public against the illegal killing of endangered species, stressing that wildlife is part of Zimbabwe’s heritage and that protecting these resources requires collective responsibility.
Muteweri said Makusele and Jelester were charged with violating Section 59(2)AC(B) of the Parks and Wildlife General Regulations (S.I. 362/1990), as well as Section 128(B) of the Parks and Wildlife Act (Chapter 20:14) for “unlawful possession of a hyena nose.”
Hyena noses are primarily used in traditional beliefs and practices, often as charms or for supposed spiritual protection.
Some people believe they can ward off danger, bad omens, or evil spirits. For instance, a man in Hwange told the court that he carried a hyena nose given to him by his uncle for protection.
Hyena parts, including noses, are sometimes associated with mystical strength and are used by traditional healers or prophets in rituals.
