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A Mpika Magistrate Court has convicted two men for illegal possession of bushmeat and sentenced them each to five years imprisonment.
On July 2, 2023, officers from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) apprehended Osward Kunda (53) with 6kg of Roan Antelope meat at his home in Kapengwe Village in Lavushimanda district.
His arrest was a result of a tip off from concerned citizens leading to a search of Osward’s house in the early hours of the day.
Following his arrest, Osward was charged with two counts for illegal possession of protected and government trophy contrary to the laws of Zambia.
During a post-arrest interview, he revealed having purchased the meat from Greenwell Mwansa (46), a farmer from the same village.
Subsequently, on July 3, 2023, DNPW officers visited and conducted a search at Greenwell’s residence and uncovered 15kg of roan antelope meat and 11kg of bush pig meat.
Greenwell was then arrested and charged with two counts of illegal possession of protected and government trophy contrary to the laws of Zambia.
When their matter came up in court before Judge John Phiri both men pleaded guilty to all counts.
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Judge Phiri convicted and sentenced Osward and Greenwell to five years imprisonment and six months suspended sentence each.
“The illicit trade of bushmeat in Zambia poses a significant risk to the existence of numerous wildlife species and threatens the overall biodiversity of the country,” the DNPW said.
It stated that this trade further negatively impacts the well-being of local communities that rely on wildlife for tourism and various economic advantages.
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