Two Arrested in Mangochi for Possessing Live Pangolin

Police in Mangochi have arrested two men for being found in possession of a live pangolin, a protected species under Malawi’s wildlife laws.

The suspects have been identified as Andrew Kombo, 33, and James Wilson, 55.

The duo were arrested on the evening of 10 July 2025, at Ntagaluka Village, under Traditional Authority Chowe in Mangochi.

Reports indicate that on the said date, Mangochi Police detectives were tipped off by members of the community that two men were in possession of a live pangolin and were offering it for sale.

Acting on the information, police officers, in coordination with officials from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, rushed to the scene and apprehended the two suspects after they were found with the live pangolin hidden in a black laptop bag.

According to statistics, from January 2025 to date, this is the first case of Pangolin (two suspects) to have been registered, compared to three cases (three suspects) recorded during the same period last year.

Police findings attribute the reduction in wildlife-related offences to increased community awareness, effective intelligence gathering, strong relationships with community members, imposition of stiffer penalties, and enhanced inter-agency collaboration between the Police, Wildlife and Judiciary departments.

The suspects will appear before court to answer a charge of illegal possession of specimens of listed species, contrary to Section 110(b) of the National Parks and Wildlife Act, once all documentation is completed.

Police in Mangochi have since warned the public against engaging in the illegal trade of wildlife and have called for continued cooperation in protecting endangered species.

Kombo hails from Khuyu village, Traditional Authority Mkumba in Likoma while and Wilson comes from Mtiwule Village, Traditional Authority Makanjira in Mangochi.