DNPW arrests 41 in wildlife crime crackdown

The suspects, identified as Elius Phiri, Edward Simanwe, Julius Phiri and Alick Mwale, were allegedly found with 12 cut pieces of elephant ivory weighing 26.7 kilogrammes.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the four had travelled from Mambwe District in Eastern Province.

On September 29, DNPW officers from Livingstone apprehended Heavy Siasayi in Zimba District during an undercover operation.

Four raw pieces of elephant ivory weighing 44.5 kilogrammes were allegedly recovered from a Toyota Mark II motor vehicle.

In another operation, two Chinese nationals, Liu Rui and Wu Yongan, were apprehended in Kabwata, Lusaka, on September 21.

The two were allegedly found with 65 dry ground pangolin scales believed to have been intended for illegal export.

DNPW also recorded cases involving illegal timber transportation, including the interception of a Fuso truck carrying 100 pieces of mukwa timber along the Great North Road in Nakonde.

The department said the suspects are expected to face charges under the Zambia Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015, the Firearms Act, Chapter 110 of the Laws of Zambia, the Forests Act No. 4 of 2015 and other applicable legislation.

It said the precise charges in each case would be determined by the relevant prosecuting authorities.

DNPW warned members of the public against buying, possessing, transporting or selling illegal bushmeat and other wildlife products, saying its enforcement activities target the entire illegal wildlife-trade chain, including poachers, suppliers, transporters, traders, financiers and buyers.

The suspects are yet to be convicted.