The Blantyre Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court has fined six people K6 million each or in default spend 15 months in jail for being found in possession of rhino horns and ivory and dealing in the sale of the same.
The six are Steven Kandoje, 37, Chrissy Dailesi, 46, Hellen Maunjiri, 57, Elizabeth Mpira, 55, Ronnex Lopanda, 37, and Nadeem Omar, 57.
and ivory. | Wisdom Chirombo
South West Region police deputy public relations officer Beatrice Mikuwa said in an interview yesterday that the court heard that on July 26 2024, police in Blantyre received a tip-off from a well-wisher that Kandoje and Dailesi were offering two rhino horns and two ivory for sale at K600 000, which led to their arrest and that of other accomplices.
During court proceedings, they all pleaded not guilty, but the State paraded seven witnesses to prove the case.
In mitigation, the convicts pleaded for leniency, saying they were first offenders, have family obligations and health challenges.
However, in his ruling, senior resident magistrate Sajda Maiden dismissed the plea.
The court further ordered the forfeiture of the rhino horns and ivory to the Government of Malawi.
“Only Omar has paid the K6 million while the other five will serve their custodial sentences,” said Mikuwa.
Department of National Parks and Wildlife director Brighton Kumchedwa expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision.
“This is good outcome and we are satisfied. We thank everyone who took part in this case,” he said
