A ZIMBABWEAN safari operator, whose business was derailed for nearly a decade after being implicated in an illegal lion hunt linked to the infamous Cecil the lion case, has finally had his matter resolved.
Headman Sibanda, who runs Inyala Safari, has been cleared after the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) officially returned his seized property, signalling the closure of his case.
In a letter dated February 6, 2026, ZimParks North West Matabeleland Region principal investigation officer Cosam Mweseba advised Sibanda to collect his lion skin and skull.
“Following our telephone conversation in February 2026, I made a follow-up to find out when you will come to Hwange Investigations to collect your trophies, lion skin and skull.
The matter was formally finalised,” the letter read.
“Your earliest response will be greatly appreciated.”
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The development brings an end to an 11-year legal and professional ordeal.
He was arrested in August 2015 for allegedly allowing an American client, Jan Casmir Seski, to hunt a lion on his property, Railway Farm 31, in the Gwayi Conservancy in April of that year.
While the world’s attention was focused on American dentist Walter Palmer and professional hunter Theo Bronkhorst for killing the famed lion, Cecil, in July 2015, Sibanda was caught up in a subsequent crackdown.
His arrest was part of a massive effort by Zimbabwean authorities to root out illegal hunting following an international uproar over Cecil’s death.
In an interview with Southern Eye, Sibanda expressed relief, stating that the drawn-out process had unfairly cost him his livelihood.
“I’ve been vindicated now; the truth has come out. I was wrongfully accused of illegal hunt allegations, including having taken part in the killing of Cecil the Lion,” Sibanda said.
“In fact, the real culprit has already been arrested and sentenced. For more than 11 years, I have been failing to operate my business due to this matter, which took long to be concluded.”
Cecil was a 13-year-old lion and a major tourist attraction in Hwange National Park and was part of a long-term Oxford University tracking study.
His death in July 2015 sparked global outrage.
The incident occurred when Cecil was lured out of the protected park with a bait, shot with a bow and arrow by Palmer and tracked for 10 to 12 hours before being killed.
Palmer defended his actions, stating he had relied on local guides to ensure the hunt was legal.
Ultimately, charges against the local guides and landowner were dismissed and Palmer was not prosecuted as he held the necessary permits.