Tinotenda Hove– A 57-year-old Chinese national, Cong Yanzhong, has been arrested in Harare after being found in possession of rhino horns and ivory worth nearly a quarter of a million US dollars, in a case that has raised alarm among wildlife conservationists.

Yanzhong was nabbed on 16 July 2025 following a tip-off to detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department’s Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit (CID MFFU). Officers conducted a search at his residence and discovered three shrink-wrapped rhinoceros horns weighing 7.7 kilograms and valued at approximately US$240,000. He reportedly failed to produce any permit authorizing their possession.

Further searches led to the recovery of four unmarked, raw ivory pieces weighing a total of 36.15 kilograms, hidden in sacks along with a weighing scale. The ivory haul is estimated to be worth US$6,145.50.

Yanzhong has since been denied bail, with prosecutors strongly opposing his release. He has been referred to the fast-track trial court and is scheduled to appear on 22 July 2025.

The case highlights the persistent threat posed by international wildlife trafficking networks to Zimbabwe’s conservation efforts, particularly the illegal trade in parts of endangered species such as rhinos and elephants.