29/09/2026
MAZABUKA COURT JAILS SIX, TWO REMAIN AT LARGE IN PANGOLIN CASE
The Mazabuka Magistrate Court has sentenced six people to five years imprisonment with hard labour for unlawful possession of a live ground pangolin, while two others remain at large.
The eight suspects were intercepted by officers from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) at Kafue Bridge Checkpoint on November 8, 2025.
Those arrested included a senior police officer, a pastor, a traditional healer, a Zambia National Service (ZNS) civilian employee and businesspersons.
The suspects were charged with unlawful possession of a protected trophy, namely a live ground pangolin, contrary to the Zambia Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015.
During the trial, which concluded on August 7, 2026, Dennis Silungwe and Charles Chali absconded and remain at large.
The court acquitted senior police officer Kapika Chomba, while convicting the other six: Alexander Kaushi, James Banda, Danivelo Daka, Magdalena Banda and Timothy Konkola, who were each sentenced to five years imprisonment with hard labour.
The State has since appealed against Chomba's acquittal.
The case highlights the continued threat posed by illegal pangolin trafficking. DNPW has urged members of the public not to buy, sell or keep pangolins and to help protect the endangered wildlife species.
