Three People Get 5 Years for Wildlife Crimes

Three people have been handed five years in prison sentences each for various wildlife crimes by Subordinate Courts in Lusaka and Chipata.

The Lusaka Subordinate Court convicted and sentenced 47-year-old, Scholastica Chisimba, to 5 years imprisonment with hard labour for Unlawful Possession of Prescribed Trophy, namely two (2) leopard skins, contrary to section 130 (2) of the Zambia Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015.

And the Lusaka Subordinate Court convicted and sentenced another female, Beatrice Lupazula, to 5 years imprisonment with hard labour for Unlawful Possession of one (1) lion skin.

Elsewhere, the Chipata Subordinate Court convicted and sentenced Howard Nyirenda, to 5 years imprisonment with hard labour on 27 July 2018 for Unlawful Possession of Prescribed Trophy, namely two (2) pieces of ivory weighing 6.6kg, contrary to section 130 (2) of the Zambia Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015.

Under the Zambia Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015, Unlawful Possession of Prescribed Trophies such as Elephant Ivory, Rhino Horn, Cheetah, Leopard and Lion skins carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

It is therefore important for locals to actively take part in curbing dangerous vices like poaching that threaten many wildlife species to the brink of extension and rob the country of much needed revenues.

Sakabilo Kalembwe – Zacks

Public Relations Officer

Ministry of Tourism and Arts

Source: Zambia Reports