ZAMBIA: Lusaka men face court for illegal possession of live pangolin

By Ollus Ndomu

As the battle against wildlife trafficking continues, two businessmen and a farmer from Lusaka find themselves in court charged with the illegal possession of a live pangolin, one of the world’s most trafficked mammals, valued at over K23,000.

The suspects, identified as Isaac Nkhata, 44, Patrick Mwambi, 42, and Jairos Zulu, 64, have been charged under section 130(1) of the Zambia Wildlife Act for illegal possession of a protected trophy. Pangolins are sought after for their meat, considered a delicacy, and their scales used in traditional Chinese medicine.

The allegations stem from an incident on January 13, where the trio was found in possession of a live pangolin, a vehicle with registration number ALL3389, and a brown sack. Authorities suspect that the properties in their possession were stolen or unlawfully obtained.

Before Lusaka magistrate Mutinta Mwenya, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges. During the trial, a Department of National Parks and Wildlife officer, Patrick Mukupa, recounted how the suspects were apprehended after the department received information about individuals possessing a pangolin.

The pangolin in question weighed 8.2 kilograms and was valued at K23,438. Mukupa testified that when warned of their rights, Nkhata asked for forgiveness, Mwambi remained silent, and Zulu also asked for forgiveness.

In cross-examination, Nkhata challenged the authenticity of the pangolin, questioning whether any magistrate had seen it and suggesting that the disposal order was fake.

The officer maintained the validity of the disposal order, emphasizing that there is tangible evidence to support the charges.