Kasungu Duo Arrested Over K4 million Ivory deal
Published on February 16, 2026 at 9:30 AM by Evance Kapito
Police in Kasungu have arrested two men after they were caught attempting to sell elephant ivory weighing 15.5 kilograms, valued at approximately K4 million.
The suspects, identified as Steven Nkhoma, 45, and Chimwemwe Manda, 25, were apprehended in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Chulu following a tip-off from whistleblowers.
According to Kasungu Police Assistant Publicist, Chifundo Nedi, the duo was spotted at Chulu Market on February 13, 2026, looking for potential buyers for the illegal ivory.
Well-wishers alerted the police, who immediately coordinated with officials from Kasungu National Park. The officers first intercepted Nkhoma, who was found in possession of three pieces of ivory. Upon interrogation, he confessed that a fourth piece was being held by his accomplice, Manda.
During questioning, the suspects reportedly told police that they had obtained the ivory from a Zambian national. The illegal tusks were being offered on the market for a staggering K4,000,000.
Maliwa is currently battling a rise in cross-border wildlife trafficking, often involving poachers who move between the Kasungu and Lukusuzi (Zambia) National Parks.
Nkhoma hails from Chimphiri Village, while Manda comes from Nkulumimba Village, both under T/A Chulu in Kasungu District.
The two remain in police custody and are expected to be charged with:Possession of listed species (Ivory) without a permit. Dealing in specimen of listed species.
Police have commended the Chulu community for their vigilance and urged Malawians to continue reporting wildlife crimes to protect the country’s remaining elephant population.
