Zimbabwe: American lion killer’s extradition being sought

Farm owner Honest Trymore Ndlovu appears at Hwange magistrates’ court to face poaching charges, about 435 miles (700 kilometers) west of the capital Harare, Wednesday, July, 29, 2015. Ndlovu and his co-defendant, professional hunter Theo Bronkhorst , are accused of helping Walter James Palmer hunt the lion. Zimbabwean police said they are looking for Palmer, the American dentist who reportedly paid $50,000 to track and kill the animal. (AP Photo)

HARARE, Zimbabwe — Zimbabwe’s wildlife minister says extradition is being sought for the American dentist who killed a lion.

Oppah Muchinguri, environment, water and climate minister, told a news conference Friday: “We want him tried in Zimbabwe because he violated our laws. … Police should take the first step to approach the prosecutor general who will approach the Americans. The processes have already started.”

“Unfortunately it was too late to apprehend the foreign poacher as he had already absconded to his country of origin,” Muchinguri said. “We are appealing to the responsible authorities for his extradition to Zimbabwe so that he be made accountable.”

On Tuesday, American hunter Walter James Palmer issued a statement saying he relied on his guides to ensure the hunt was legal.