The Livingstone Subordinate Court has convicted two men to seven years imprisonment for illegal possession of elephant meat and munitions.
The Department of National Parks and Wildlife apprehended the duo, identified as Kennedy Biyani, 49, and George Munyinda, 26, at Katoyo Island in the Katombora area of Kazungula district on June 7, 2024.
They were found in illegal possession of 68.5 kilograms of semi-dried elephant meat, a 0.458 rifle, and four live 0.458 rounds of ammunition.
They faced three charges: unlawful possession of a Protected Trophy, contrary to section 130(1) of the Wildlife Act No.14 of 2015; unlawful possession of a firearm; and unlawful possession of ammunition, contrary to the Firearms Act.
The two men appeared in the Livingstone Subordinate Court and pleaded not guilty to the three counts, with the matter proceeding to trial.
When their case came up in court, they appeared before Tabitha Mulenga, who convicted and sentenced them to five years imprisonment with hard labour for unlawful possession of the elephant meat.
She also sentenced them to one year imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm and another year for unlawful possession of live ammunition.
Byta FM
