2 Mozambique nationals arrested in Malawi over possession of Pangolin
Malawi Police in southern region border district of Nsanje have arrested two Mozambican nationals for illegal possession of Pangolin which is a protected wildlife species.
The two, Paulino Felish Njanja and Malitinyu Arbeto, were nabbed Thursday night after a joint operation conducted by a Wildlife Crime Investigation Unit and the police.
The suspects were found selling the prohibited animal to some people in Nsanje and demanded K4 million for the commodity.
The police took the suspects to court where they pleaded guilty to the charge of possessing a protected wildlife species.
“We smuggled the Pangolin from our country Mozambique. We wanted to sale it so that we can use the money for other issues. In fact, we did not know international laws on protection of such species,” said Arbeto before the court.
Prosecutor Sergeant Francis Nachidwe told the court the suspects were charged with three counts including illegal importation of protected wild species and illegal entry into the country.
“We apply to this court that the two be remanded pending further investigations on the case,” Nachidwe asked the court.
The state further said the two violated Section 86, sub section 1 as read with Section 110 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act but also Section 98 as read with Section 111 of the same.
Second Magistrate George Chimombo accepted to remand the two to Nsanje Prison pending amendment of their charge as they would also be charged with illegal importation of the wild animal and illegal entry into the country without documents.
“The court remands the two to Nsanje Prison where they will stay for two weeks pending police investigations on the matter,” ruled Second Magistrate Chimombo.
The case attracts a maximum penalty of 30 years. Both Njanja, 25, and Arberto, 26, hail from Khaya Village under Sofala Province in Mozambique.
Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :
This animal is very important and helpful. The meat in nice and a Yao delicacy, and has medicinal value – enhance kidney function, cure asthma and improve signs of psoriasis.
Scales are used by filthy rich prophets, pastor and businessmen
CHINESE ARE SMUGGLING OUR ANIMALS WITH FULL SUPPORT FROM OUR GOVERNMENT.
Why is there so little empathy in the world for declining animal species? Are we all cold and uncaring, concerned only for that extra cash reaped from the death of some poor animal? Who are we????
Shame that these two came into our country without following the correct procedures and in addition to that they were found selling this beautiful protected creature. Having said that, let’s not take guns to spoon fight, I mean we have a lot of more pressing issues to concentrate on. These people are our brothers across the boarder. Let’s return the animal back to the Mozambique government officials and issue formal warnings to these two guys.. case closed! Honestly it’s an hour’s job. Let’s not drain our resources over this, we have enough to ponder on as it is already..tatiyene mutikhonzele… Read more »