Former Victoria Falls mayor Sifiso Mpofu who was arrested and found in possession of ivory was awarded temporary freedom after he was released on bail.
Mpofu, 42, who was also found in possession of a loaded pistol tucked in his waistband was arrested alongside two of his accomplices Milton Sibindi, 47 and Phathiso Sibindi, 49.
The trio was granted $500 bail each, albeit accompanied by stringent conditions at the Victoria Falls Magistrates’ Court.
They are facing charges of violating Section 82(1) of the Parks and Wildlife General Regulations Statutory Instrument 362/1990, as read with section 128(b) of the Parks and Wildlife Act, which criminalises unlawful possession of raw ivory.
The former mayor was found with eleven elephant tasks at his home during a raid.