Two netted for possessing live pangolin

A joint police operation in Chikwawa has netted two men for allegedly possessing a live pangolin which they intended to sell.

The suspects, Kenason Khuphuke, 36, and Karonga Thomas, 58, were arrested on Monday, December 30 2019.

The police received information that two men were offering the endangered species for sale.

In an undercover operation, police officers under the Wildlife Department posed as potential buyers.

They hooked the two suspects into Kasinthula Lodge and immediately seized them.

The officers recovered the live pangolin and placed the suspects under custody.

The two are facing a charge of illegal possession of a listed species.

Meanwhile, the animal, which is valued at K4 million, has already been released into Majete Wildlife Reserve.

The suspects hail from Traditional Authority Ndakwera in Chikwawa District.

Police in the district have warned those involved in poaching and wildlife trafficking to stop the acts or face arrests.