Two Arrested with 68.5kg of Ivory in Nkhotakota
Published on January 21, 2026 at 9:17 AM by Edgar Naitha
Two men, Yesaya Lijanga and Hussein Mwale, were arrested today after they were found in possession of 68.5 kilograms of ivory at a trading post in Mpamantha, Nkhotakota District.
Deputy police spokesperson for the district, Chisomo Chuma, said the arrest was carried out in collaboration with officials from African Parks, which manages the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve.
According to Chuma, police and African Parks officials received a tip-off that the suspects were looking for a market to sell the ivory.
Unaware that they were dealing with a police officer, the men allegedly advertised the ivory for sale to him.
“It is true. When the suspects heard the questions the buyer was asking, they realised he was a police officer. They were then arrested with the ivory in their possession,” said Chuma.
The two will appear before court soon.
Yesaya Lijanga, aged 39, is from Kucherachera Village, while Hussein Mwale, aged 48, hails from Khongo Village. Both are from Malengachazi Traditional Authority in Nkhotakota District.
