Malawi Police Arrest Zambians for Trafficking Ivory

Police in Mchinji has intercepted two Zambian nationals after being found in possession of ivory valued at over K13 million.

The suspects John Phiri, 38, and Julius Daka, 32 were arrested at Kaombe Police checkpoint along Mchinji-Mwami border.

According to Mchinji Police Station Public Relations Officer (PRO), Kaitano Lubrino the two suspects were arrested after they had already entered the country through un-chartered routes.

“The two were nabbed following a joint operation that involved Police and Officials from Parks and Wildlife Departments from Mozambique, Zambia and Malawi,” Kaitano said.

He said a total of eight pieces weighing 16.5 kilogrammes have been recovered from the suspects.

Lubrino said the suspects who hail from Chipata and Katete districts respectively will appear before Mchinji Magistrate Court soon to answer three charges of illegal entry into Malawi, Found in possession of specimen of protected species and dealing in Government trophies.