Statement by Minister Zvidzai on rhino horn

Statement by Minister Zvidzai on rhino horn

Statement by the Deputy Minister of Local Government Hon. Sessel Zvidzai on 
his alleged involvement in smuggling of rhino horns

Today, I woke up to an astonishing lead story in The Herald alleging my 
involvement in a case in which three men were arrested for possessing rhino 
horns worth $120 000.
The story alleges that the horns were recovered in an Isuzu KB 300 
registered in my name.

The true facts of the matter are the car ceased to be mine on 22 March 2010 
and the new owner is Mr Rodgers Gaka of Harare who runs a car-rental 
company, Rodygar Tours and Car Hire.

Since then, I have had nothing to do with the said vehicle and was surprised 
to see my name being linked to this vehicle probably because the change of 
ownership process is yet to be completed.

For the record, I am a devout Christian who has a strong position against 
criminal activities.
As Deputy Minister of Local Government, species such as rhinos have assisted 
the CAMPFIRE projects whose proceeds have gone a long way in boosting the 
coffers of many local authorities.

It is in this spirit that I applaud the police for arresting these criminals 
and I hope that justice will be done not only to save the dwindling rhino 
population in Zimbabwe, but to send a clear message to criminal elements in 
our country.

Hon S. Zvidzai
Deputy Minister of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development