Two men in Chipata jailed 7yrs for possessing ivory illegally

The Chipata High Court has jailed two men to 7 years imprisonment with hard labour for illegal possession of 8 kilograms of ivory and leopard skin.

Another man was sentenced to six years imprisonment with hard labour for illegal possession of ivory weighing up to 2 kilograms.

The three men were tried and convicted by the Lundazi Subordinate Court and committed to the High Court for sentencing.

The High Court, sitting in Chipata, sentenced Oscar Nyirongo, aged, 38 to 7 years imprisonment with hard labour for the 8 kilograms of ivory, contrary to section 130(2) (a) of the ZWA No. 14 of 2015.

The Court  also sentenced Gabriel Nkhoma to 7 years imprisonment with hard labour for Unlawful Possession of Prescribed Trophy, leopard skin, contrary to section 130(2) (a) of the ZWA No. 14 of 2015.

And Morgan Ngulube was sentenced to 6 years imprisonment with hard labour for illegal possession ivory weighing 2 kilograms, contrary to section 130(2) (a) of the ZWA No. 14 of 2015.

The illegal possession of ivory, rhino horn and lion, cheetah and leopard skins are serious crimes in Zambia and attract penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment with no option of a fine.

Ministry of Tourism and Arts Public Relations Officer Sakabilo Kalembwe disclosed this in a statement to Q-News.