Three in for K36m worth ivory

Police in Machinga have arrested two men and a teenage boy for illegal possession of four pieces of ivory weighing 42 kilogrammes, worth K36 million (about $52 000).

Machinga Police Station spokesperson, Davie Sulumba confirmed the arrest of James Mwera (38), Dominic Caesar Nyirongo (24) and Mavuto Ginifodi (18) on Sunday after a tip off that the three were offering the four pieces of ivory for sale at K220 000 (about $316) each.

He said the police and Liwonde National Park officials approached the three suspects as interested buyers.

Possession of ivory is contrary to Section 91 as read with Section 110 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act, according to Sulumba.

Mwera comes from Amidu Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Liwonde in Machinga while Nyirongo comes from Duti Village, T/A Mzikubola in Mzimba District.

Ginifodi, the teenage boy, comes from Maluma Village, T/A Liwonde in Machinga.

The three allegedly killed elephants from the Liwonde National Park using guns which the police are yet to find.

The three will appear in court soon to answer charges of illegal ivory possession, according to the police publicist.

African Parks is currently managing Liwonde National Park which has about 700 elephants. n