By Twink Jones Gadama
In a crackdown on wildlife crime, police in Mangochi have arrested three individuals for illegally possessing elephant ivory.
Amidu Saini, 46, Abdul Chibwana, 42, and Issa Jimu, 33, a Mozambican national, were apprehended at Majuni Trading Centre on the evening of February 6, 2025.
According to police, the suspects were found in possession of two pieces of elephant ivory weighing 6.5 kilograms. The ivory was concealed inside a sack mixed with secondhand clothing in an attempt to evade detection.
The arrests were made possible by a tip-off from the community, which led detectives to the scene. The suspects were caught offering pieces of elephant ivory for sale.
Saini, Chibwana, and Jimu are expected to appear in court to answer charges of illegal possession of specimens of listed species without a license, contrary to Section 110(b) of the National Parks and Wildlife Act.
Police in the district have commended the public for their continued support in the fight against wildlife crime and are encouraging further collaboration to protect endangered species.
Saini hails from Kalonga village, Traditional Authority Mapira in Mangochi, while Chibwana is from Chilombo village, Traditional Authority Jalasi in Mangochi. Jimu, the Mozambican national, comes from Mandimba district.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenge of wildlife crime in the region. The police’s efforts to combat this issue are crucial, and the public’s support is essential in bringing perpetrators to justice.
