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.
Zimbabwe has called for the extradition of Palmer to face trial
for poaching. In reaction to the Cecil furor, three U.S.
airlines have banned the transport of lion, leopard, elephant,
rhino or buffalo remains killed by trophy hunters.
(Reporting by Philimon Bulawayo; Writing by MacDonald Dzirutwe;
Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
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