Police have arrested two Zambians and two Malawians for allegedly transporting pieces of ivory from Kasungu to Mzimba.
Northern Region Police spokesperson Peter Kalaya yesterday confirmed the arrest of the four at Jenda in Mzimba and identified the Zambians as Jailos Banda of Khalira Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Mwase and Julius Thosi of Thosi Village, T/A Mwase both in Lundazi District, Zambia.
The two Malawians were identified as Gracian Banda of Kaphaizi Village, T/A Kaphaizi and Fumu Banda of Malepera Village T/A Kaomba in Kasungu District.
He said they were using a Toyota (Toyoace) registration BQ 271.
“Criminal Investigations Department officers at Jenda rushed to Jenda roadblock where they arrested the suspects, seized the ivory and impounded the car they were using,” kalaya said.
The four are expected to appear in court to answer a charge of illegal possession of specimen for protected species.
Commenting on the incident, Department of Parks and Wildlife director Brighton Kumchedwa said the arrest shows that government is committed to fighting wild life crimes and protecting wildlife.
The development comes barely weeks after the Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal gave Patrick Kaunda and Chancy Kaunda a custodial sentence for being found with 781 pieces of ivory that were later destroyed by burning.
