3 Arrested for illegal Possession of Hippo Ivory in Mzimba

Police in Jenda, Mzimba District, have arrested three men for illegal possession of wildlife specimens, specifically hippo ivory, without a permit.

Spokesperson for Jenda police Macfarlen Mseteka has confirmed the arrest and identified the  suspects as Hadson Chunga, Gomezgani Jere, and Malani Tembo.

According to Mseteka, the trio were apprehended following a tip-off that individuals were attempting to sell ivory around Jenda Trading Centre.

Mseteka said, the investigators moved swiftly after receiving the information. They intercepted Chunga, who was reportedly travelling from Embangweni to meet a potential buyer. He was accompanied by the two other suspects, who were allegedly escorting him to the transaction.

“Upon being searched, the suspects were found with specimens of a listed species hippo ivory. They failed to provide any legal documentation authorizing their possession or the attempted sale,” said Mseteka.

The three remain in police custody and are expected to appear in court soon to answer charges related to illegal possession and attempted sale of protected wildlife products.

Police have since reiterated their warning to the public against engaging in illegal wildlife trade, which is a serious offense under the Wildlife Act.