The Mpika Subordinate Court has convicted and sentenced a notorious poacher, along with three others, to five years imprisonment with hard labour each for poaching in the South Luangwa National Park.
Joseph Chanda, 45, aka Kapolyo, who was on a wanted list for the past five years was arrested together with Dominic Mulenga, 61, Pephious Mukuka, 34, and Tiyeseko Sikalumbi, 35 by Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) on 20 June 2018 for poaching a buffalo in the park.
Ministry of Tourism and Arts Public Relations Officer Sakabilo Kalembwe who disclosed the development said in the first count, the accused were charged with unlawful possession of a shot gun topper and in the second count, they were accused for unlawful hunting in a national park contrary to section 128 of the Zambia Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015.
And in the third count the accused were charged with possession of government trophy (buffalo meat) contrary to section 97, of the Zambia Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015. in the third count.
Ends/SK
