Malawi govt burns 3 tonnes of ivory, putting to ashes K5 billion

Malawi government has finally burned 781 pieces of ivory weighing 2.6 metric tonnes amid resistance from the governments of Malawi and Tanzania who argue the K5 billion worth of tusks could have been sold to a legal market.

However on Friday, High Court Judge in Mzuzu, Dingiswayo Madise ruled that the ivory be burnt because the law says such commodities should be destroyed after being used as exhibit in court.

On Monday therefore all roads led to Mzuzu wildlife sanctuary where representatives from police, department of wildlife, National Audit, US embassy and international observers witnessed the ivory putting up in flames after a rigorus counting of each and every piece to ensure all 781 pieces of the white beautiful ivory were burned.

The burning of the ivory also put to rest a lengthy legal battle between the governments of Malawi and Tanzania against the burning although the legal battles were fought differently and on different dates though on the same battle ground, the High Court in Mzuzu.

Director of Wildlife Brighton Kunchedwa said the burning of the ivory is a clear indication that Malawi is committed to fighting piracy and protecting the wildlife.