The death of Cecil the lion triggered an outpouring of anger around the world after it was alleged that the beast was lured out of Hwange National Park and shot with a powerful bow and arrow.
Hwange, Zimbabwe:
A professional Zimbabwean hunter was granted bail today on charges of "failing to prevent an illegal hunt" after he organised an expedition in which an American dentist killed a lion popular with tourists.
The death of Cecil the lion triggered an outpouring of anger around the world after it was alleged that the beast was lured out of Hwange National Park and shot with a powerful bow and arrow.
Theo Bronkhorst, wearing a green sleeveless jacket, was ordered to lodge a $1,000 deposit at the court in Hwange in northwestern Zimbabwe after a day of negotiations between police, prosecutors and lawyers.
Dentist Walter Palmer, an experienced trophy hunter from Minnesota, is thought to have left Zimbabwe some weeks ago.
"After hearing submissions from both counsel, bail is hereby granted," magistrate Lindiwe Maphosa said, setting Bronkhorst's trial date for August 5.
Co-accused Honest Ndlovu, a land owner, was scheduled to appear in court on Thursday on separate charges.
Palmer, whose whereabouts are unknown, has been targeted with vicious abuse after he admitted killing Cecil and said he had been mislead by his guides.
A family friend said that Bronkhorst believed he had acted legally during the hunt earlier this month and was shocked to find that the lion was wearing a collar.
"He is a very professional, very honest conservationist," Ian Ferguson told AFP on Wednesday.
"This has just about destroyed the family, his wife has virtually had a nervous breakdown.
"The whole thing was perfectly legal. When they found the lion had a collar... he went and reported to the national parks immediately.
"This was just a terrible, very unfortunate act."
The death of Cecil the lion triggered an outpouring of anger around the world after it was alleged that the beast was lured out of Hwange National Park and shot with a powerful bow and arrow.
Theo Bronkhorst, wearing a green sleeveless jacket, was ordered to lodge a $1,000 deposit at the court in Hwange in northwestern Zimbabwe after a day of negotiations between police, prosecutors and lawyers.
Dentist Walter Palmer, an experienced trophy hunter from Minnesota, is thought to have left Zimbabwe some weeks ago.
"After hearing submissions from both counsel, bail is hereby granted," magistrate Lindiwe Maphosa said, setting Bronkhorst's trial date for August 5.
Co-accused Honest Ndlovu, a land owner, was scheduled to appear in court on Thursday on separate charges.
Palmer, whose whereabouts are unknown, has been targeted with vicious abuse after he admitted killing Cecil and said he had been mislead by his guides.
A family friend said that Bronkhorst believed he had acted legally during the hunt earlier this month and was shocked to find that the lion was wearing a collar.
"He is a very professional, very honest conservationist," Ian Ferguson told AFP on Wednesday.
"This has just about destroyed the family, his wife has virtually had a nervous breakdown.
"The whole thing was perfectly legal. When they found the lion had a collar... he went and reported to the national parks immediately.
"This was just a terrible, very unfortunate act."
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