The Mpika Subordinate Court has jailed to five years with hard labour a Wildlife Police Officer for unlawful possession of prescribed trophy namely, Leopard skin contrary to the Zambia Wildlife Act, No. 14 of 2015.
Dickson Zimba, 49, also works as a driver under the Department of National Parks and Wildlife.
Ministry of Tourism and Arts Public Relations Officer Sakabilo Kalembwe has disclosed to Komboni Radio News that the Department of National Parks and Wildlife officers with the support of the Wildlife Crime Prevention Project and the Frankfurt Zoological Society arrested Zimba, in Mwanfushi, Mpika last year.
Mr Kalembwe explained that Illegal possession of prescribed trophies such as cat skins have a penalty of between five and 10 years for a first offender.
He said the illegal trade of Leopard skins is driven by a demand on the international black market where the skins are sold as finished skins for home decoration or use in the creation of luxury carpets.
Ends/SK