Man Sentenced to 8 Years for Possession of Ivory in Rumphi

The Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court in Rumphi has sentenced a 44-year-old man, James Katumbi, to eight years imprisonment with hard labour after he was found in possession of a specimen of a listed species, raw ivory.

The court heard from state prosecutor, Senior Assistant Parks and Wildlife Officer John Mabethi, that police received a tip-off indicating Katumbi was storing ivory in his home. A follow-up operation led to his arrest and the seizure of raw ivory weighing 18.5 kilograms.

Katumbi pleaded guilty to the charge and pleaded for leniency, citing that he is a first-time offender and the sole caretaker of his elderly mother.

However, in his submission, Mabethi urged the court to impose a stiff sentence, arguing that individuals found in possession of ivory contribute to the demand that fuels poaching and the illegal wildlife trade.

In delivering the sentence, Chief Resident Magistrate Godfrey Balaka agreed with the prosecution, stressing that the offence was serious and punishable by up to 30 years in prison. He said the sentence should serve as a deterrent to others involved in illegal wildlife activities.

Katumbi hails from Mlongoti Village in the area of Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe in Rumphi District.