6 in for possessing ivory,rhino horns in Blantyre

South West Police Headquarters deputy public relations officer Beatrice Mikuwa says six people have been arrested in Blantyre for allegedly being found in possession of ivory and rhino horns.

Speaking yesterday at the regional police headquarters, she identified the suspects as Chrissy Dailes, 45, Helen Maunjeni, 55, Eliza Mpira, 45, Lonex Lopanda, 35, Omar Nadim, 55, and Steven Kandoje (age not advised).

Mikuwa said Lopanda and Mpira were arrested in Mpemba where they went to sell the horns which they reportedly stole from their boss, Nadim.

She said police intercepted the suspects while they were trying to sell the items.

Said Mikuwa: “Mpira and Lopanda were working at Nadim’s house. While there, they found some horns in the house and they connived to steal them.

“After being arrested and upon being questioned, they led the police to Nadim’s house where we found the ivory. So far, all six suspects have been taken to court for a plea.”

She has assured Malawians that the police will work on the case in collaboration with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife. 

In a separate interview, Department of National Parks and Wildlife director Brighton Kumchedwa said said cases of poaching animals have since 2019 dropped by 50 percent.

“It is a good development in the sense that the police can arrest people committing wildlife crime.

“What you might wish to know is that illegal ivory trade has declined so much because of the strengthened enforcement of the law.”