The Sesheke Subordinate Court has sentenced two men to five years imprisonment with hard labour for unlawful possession of ivory and 187.6 kilograms of elephant meat.
Frank Lubinda and Mibanga Kalenga were arrested on 12 July 2021 by officers from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife’s Rapid Deployment Team in Livingstone.
The due is charged with two counts for unlawful possession of prescribed trophy, namely two pieces of ivory weighing 17.3kg, contrary to section 130 (2) of the Zambia Wildlife Act No.14 of 2015 and unlawful possession of prescribed trophy, namely elephant meat weighing 187.6 kgs contrary to section 130(1) of the Zambia Wildlife Act No.14 of 2015.
The duo pleaded not guilty to both charges, leading to a lengthy trial but when the matter came up for judgment they were convicted on both counts and sentenced to five years imprisonment with hard labour on each count.
The sentences will run concurrently.
Elephants are protected for their ecological and economic benefits, like being a big tourist draw, and thus support the tourism industry.
This is according to a statement made available to Diamond News by Ministry of Tourism Public Relations Officer Sakabilo Kalembwe.
Discover more from KossyDerrickent
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
