Two Sentenced to Five Years for Possessing Protected Pangolin in Mwanza
Published on June 27, 2025 at 11:45 AM by Edgar Naitha
A court in Mwanza has sentenced Martin Kachepa and Reuben Chimpesa to five years imprisonment for illegal possession of a protected pangolin.
The court heard that the two were arrested by police in Tulonkhu after being found keeping the pangolin in their home with the intent to sell it.
Both suspects pleaded guilty to the charges and requested leniency, claiming it was their first offense and that they should be considered as juveniles.
However, the government prosecution urged the court to impose a harsh sentence to serve as a deterrent to others involved in wildlife trafficking.
In delivering the ruling, Judge Steve Mchenga stated that after considering the arguments presented by both sides and in accordance with the country’s laws, the appropriate sentence was 60 months (five years) imprisonment.
Kachepa, aged 20, hails from Jeke Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Kanduku in Mwanza District, while Chimpesa, aged 30, comes from Felemu Village, T/A Mlauli in Neno District.
