Two nabbed for possessing ivory in Mchinji

Police in Mchinji are keeping in custody two people for being found in possession of ivory, a specimen of the species.

According to Mchinji Police Public Relations Officer Limbani Mpinganjira, the two, identified as Epmark Phiri aged 32, and Matias Johnstone, aged 41 were arrested on 14 January in the district after the law enforcers received a tip.

“During the evening of 14/01/2023, some well-wishers tipped the Police that the two suspects were harboring the illicit specimen of the listed species by the National Parks and Wildlife Department that they were offering for sale in Kachebere in the district. Police swiftly followed up and managed to arrest the two and recovered the ivory,” said Mpinganjira.

Mpinganjira added that the two will appear in court to answer a charge of being found in possession of specimens of listed species which has been leveled against them. 

“The suspects are expected to appear before the competent court of law soon to answer the charge of being found in possession of specimens of listed species contravening Section 86 of the Wildlife Act,” added Mpinganjira.

Epmark Phiri hails from Tikoliwe village and Matias Johnstone hails from Kadula village, Traditional Authority Mlonyeni in Mchinji.