The Sunday Mail
GOVERNMENT is appealing for the immediate extradition of an American dentist from the United States after he allegedly killed Cecil the lion on July 1.
The crime, which only recently came to light, has sparked global outrage.
Water, Environment and Climate Change Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri said her ministry has already approached the Prosecutor-General to process the papers for the immediate extradition of Dr Walter Palmer.
Speaking to journalists on Friday; said the killing of the popular lion in Hwange was a well coordinated activity.
“We are appealing to the responsible authorities for his extradition to Zimbabwe so that he be made accountable for his illegal actions,” she said.
She said investigations have shown that the killing of Cecil the lion was properly orchestrated and well financed to ensure its success.
“As we frantically try to protect our wildlife from organized gangs such as this one, there are people who command respect in the society such as Dr Palmer and Theo Bronkhorst, an experienced licensed professional hunter,” she said.
She said by illegally killing Cecil, Dr Palmer and his gang connived to undermine not only the country’s laws but also international laws.
Dr Palmer violated the provisions of Parks and Wildlife Act Section 66 which regulates the manner in which trophy hunts are conducted.
He also violated Section 123 which controls the use of bows and arrows for hunting. His accomplice, the land owner, violated Section 59 which controls hunting on private land, he allowed a hunt to be conducted without a quota and the necessary permit.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said hunting quotas are allocated on a sustainable basis and permits are issued out to land owners on an annual basis.
Speaking at the same function, Parks and Wildlife Management Director-General Mr Edson Chidziya said the country has a lion population of around 2000.
“We have a population of around 2 000 lions,” he said.
He also highlighted that the recent exportation of baby elephants was done above board.
“You need to appreciate that our elephant population is above our carrying capacity and we were left with no option but to dispose some of them,” he said.
Zimbabwe has more than 80 000 elephants while it only has a carrying capacity of 15 000 elephants.
