The case against a local hunter who is accused of failing to stop American dentist Walter Palmer who illegally killed the country’s most prized lion last month has been postponed.
The case will be heard on September 28.
Theo Bronkhorst was arrested last week and charged with breaching hunting rules when he helped Palmer lure Cecil, a rare black-maned lion, out of Hwange National Park and shoot him with a bow and arrow, in a case that caused international outrage online and put the spotlight on big game hunting in Africa.
Bronkhorst has yet to plead in court but has publicly denied any wrongdoing. He appeared for the short hearing in Hwange, western Zimbabwe, where his lawyer requested the adjournment.
Givemore Muvhiringi said another attorney who was meant to argue the case was unavailable and that the defense needed more time to prepare for the trial.
If convicted, Bronkhorst faces a fine of $20,000 and up to 10 years in jail.
Meanwhile, Theo Bronkhorst has defended the dentist who killed Cecil the Lion was quoted by AFP saying, ”he had done nothing wrong and was a “good man”.
He said the case was “crazy” and the permits to kill Cecil the lion outside Hwange National Park had been obtained.
Zimbabwe has called for the extradition of Palmer to face trial for poaching. In reaction to the Cecil furore, three U.S. airlines have banned the transport of lion, leopard, elephant, rhino or buffalo remains killed by trophy hunters.
Bronkhorst and Mr Palmer have denied any wrongdoing, and have claimed they were unaware that Cecil had been collared and protected.
Although Mr Palmer has not been charged with any offence, there have been growing calls for the US tourist to be extradited to Zimbabwe to stand trial.
The White House is currently reviewing a petition which has been signed by more than 140,000 people.
Cecil’s death has caused an international outcry, while Mr Palmer has been pilloried on social media and there have been protests at his dental practice.
He has been a trophy hunter for years, with an extensive collection of pictures showing him posing with other big game he has slaughtered.
