HARARE, Zimbabwe, Aug. 5 (UPI) — The trial of Theo Bronkhorst, the professional hunter in Zimbabwe who led the expedition that killed Cecil, a popular lion, has been postponed until September.
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority said Bronkhorst, a professional hunter with Bushman Safaris, faces criminal charges for his alleged involvement in Cecil’s shooting because he was not allocated a lion on his hunting quota for the year.
Bronkhorst is accused of violating a section of Zimbabwe’s Parks and Wildlife Act that regulates the manner in which trophy hunts are conducted. Honest Trymore Ndlovu, the landowner where Cecil was killed, is being accused of colluding with the hunters and of allowing hunting on private land without the necessary permit.
Bronkhorst said he obtained all the necessary permits.
“I do not feel I have done anything wrong,” Bronkhorst told NBC News. “This has been a very stressful time for me and my family. We have been pulled into something we are not happy with.”
Cecil was lured from Zimbabwe’s largest game reserve, Hwange National Park, where it is illegal to shoot animals, and killed July 1. Minnesota dentist Walter Palmer shot the animal, skinned and beheaded it and left its corpse. It is reported Palmer paid about $50,000 to hunt down Cecil.
Zimbabwe has called for Palmer’s extradition to face charges for violating poaching laws. The killing of Cecil has created worldwide outrage, forcing Palmer into hiding.
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