Tanzania obtains injunction against Malawi ivory burn

The High Court in Mzuzu has granted the Government of Tanzania an injunction against the burning of 2.6 tonnes of ivory smuggled across the border, arguing the horns would be used as evidence during prosecution against poaching suspects.

Impounded ivory in Malawi
Impounded ivory in Malawi

However, presiding Judge Dingiswayo Madise has fined Tanzania K1 million for a late call against burning of the K4.5bn ivory.

The burning ceremony was earmarked for Mzuzu Nature Sunctuary as Malawi ramps up its efforts to curb poaching..

“We were all set to burn the trafficked ivory on Friday morning to show our commitment to the fight against elephant poaching and illegal trafficking of ivory until Tanzania prosecutors appeared to seek a court order to stop the process,” said Bright Kumchedwa, director of Malawi’s parks and wildlife department.

“The Tanzanians are seeking ways to take the ivory back home to be used as evidence,” said Kumchedwa.

“They want their ivory despite Malawi giving them notice of our intention to burn the illegal ivory. They never responded to our notice.”

Recently, the High Court in Mzuzu ordered Patrick and Chancy Kaunda to pay K5 million or spend seven years in jail for being found with ivory concealed under cement bags to beat security.

Malawi is currently reviewing its wildlife act to provide for stiffer penalties.

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Majidu
Majidu
8 years ago

A Tanzania akuba. Akufuna akagutse nyanga zathu. Osabetsa nyanga.

Zagwazatha
8 years ago

Iwe thako lambeta akuwuza ndani kuti Malawi ilibe ndalama?ukamufunse Lutepo ndi anzake ndipo iwe ku Malawi kuno ukutani ngati kulibe ndalama? Mwano basi..

PHILLIPS CHISAMBO
PHILLIPS CHISAMBO
8 years ago

As poor as we are! Malawi must sell those Ivory to gain some money and help develop our country.K4.5bn is way too much money and that can go along way in the budget. They are Natural resources,we got nothing to loose. U see what Tanzania is saying,it makes sense,will make somthing out of it. Why do we want to follow in the footsteps of the rich,while we got nothing? What do we expect to achieve by burning this cheap source a couple Billion K?

chibwabwa
8 years ago

zootcha/kutentha ivory ziribe mutu. Ndipatseni ndikagulitse. Ine ndalama ndikuzifuna.

mphatso c
mphatso c
8 years ago

why burning,Malawi can earn something from these ivory.

Steve Ng'omba
Steve Ng'omba
8 years ago

Nonsense! why burning K4.5 bn

RoyK
RoyK
8 years ago

Not forgetting that Malawi is the poorest on the globe

Limbani Maxwell Teputepu
Limbani Maxwell Teputepu
8 years ago

Burning the Ivory?? Malawi you are a sleeping giant!!!

RSA commentetor Mac
RSA commentetor Mac
8 years ago

Mukagwila okupha nyama mwachisawawa CHONDE apheni mkhalango momwemo afisi nawo akhwasule.

Julius Phiri
Julius Phiri
8 years ago

Why burn the ivory am sure the gorvement can get something from these ivory

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