Two Men Arrested for Illegal Possession of Live Pangolin in Lilongwe
Published on February 26, 2026 at 3:50 PM by Evance Kapito
Police at Chitsime in Lilongwe have arrested two men for allegedly being found in possession of a live pangolin which they were reportedly offering for sale.
According to Sergeant Khumbo Sanyiwa, Lilongwe Police Deputy Public Relations Officer, the suspects have been identified as Clement Chakwanila, 27, and Mike Banda, 44. They were arrested on February 26, 2026, at around 11:00 hours at Chiseka Graveyard.
Sergeant Sanyiwa said detectives received a tip-off that the two were attempting to sell the live pangolin. Acting on the information, officers from the Chitsime Police Unit posed as potential buyers and arranged to meet the suspects at the said location.
Upon arrival, detectives confirmed the intended transaction and seized the live pangolin. The two suspects were immediately taken into custody.
The recovered animal has since been handed over to wildlife officials for proper care and safe custody.
The suspects are expected to appear before court soon to answer a charge of being Found in Possession of a Live Pangolin Without a Permit, contrary to wildlife regulations.
Chakwanila hails from Mkazomba Village under Traditional Authority Namguya in Dowa District, while Banda comes from Mbalame Village under Traditional Authority Mkhumba in Phalombe District.
