Success: Men Accused of Helping to Kill Cecil the Lion Will Likely be Prosecuted

Target: Lindiwe Maphosa, Magistrate of the Hwange Magistrate’s Court

Goal: Thank Zimbabwe court for refusing to drop charges against men who allegedly played a part in killing Cecil the lion.

Two people who allegedly took part in Cecil the lion’s death will likely be prosecuted, as Zimbabwe court officials refused to drop the case despite reportedly being asked to do so by one of the accused. We need to thank the Zimbabwe court that has decided to go through with a trial so that it is clear the animal rights community still wants justice to be served.

Cecil the lion lived on protected land in Zimbabwe but was thought to have been lured away from his territory because a piece of meat was supposedly tied to the back of the vehicle. Honest Ndlovu was officially charged with allowing the lion to be hunted, despite the fact that the animal was not on a list that would have made this action legal. Theo Bronkhorst was also accused of purposely allowing the illegal hunt to take place because he allegedly suggested Walter Palmer shoot the animal with a bow and arrow as not to alert authorities of any noise. These two men will likely soon be prosecuted since the court would have probably dropped the case if they were not taking the issue seriously.

While everyone is anxiously waiting for the trial to take place, some good things have already come as a result of the court’s actions. Bronkhorst has lost a lot of business and hunting regulations in the country have been strengthened.

Thank Zimbabwe officials for insisting that this case be thoroughly investigated and for making the decision to go forward with a trial. It is important they know the animal rights community is still on Cecil’s side.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Magistrate Maphosa,

You have refused to drop charges against two men who allegedly helped to murder Cecil the lion even though Theo Bronkhorst formally asked the court to do so. We would like to thank you for demanding a trial be held, as Cecil the lion deserves justice.

According to authorities, Honest Ndlovu allowed Walter Palmer to go after Cecil even though the lion was not on a list of animals eligible for hunting. Theo Bronkhorst was further accused of giving Palmer permission to shoot Cecil with a bow and arrow in order to avoid alerting authorities of a loud gun sound. Not dropping the case shows that you are serious about ensuring a thorough investigation is conducted, as well as about ensuring that anyone who played a part in helping to kill Cecil is held responsible for their actions.

Thank you again for insisting that a trial be held. On behalf of everyone fighting to make sure Cecil gets justice, we appreciate you making this solid effort.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Vince OSullivan