The Mangochi Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court on August 5, 2022 convicted and sentenced Angile Samilu, 42 and Mapaketi Aliki, 61 to 13-years imprisonment with hard labour each for contravening sections 32(1), 33(1), 35(a) and 86(1) of National Parks and Wildlife Act.
The court heard through Eastern Region Prosecution Officer Superintendent Josephine Chigawa that on July 20, 2022, the parks and wildlife officials were tipped by members of the community that the duo were selling Antelope meat at their houses in Mgoji Village in Traditional Authority Bwananyambi in Mangochi District.
The parks officials rushed to the houses with officers from Masuku Police Unit where the accused were arrested after being found with a bucket full of fresh and boiled Sable Antelope meat including the head, skin and hooves.
Prosecutor Chigawa added that, the duo also led the two parties to Mangochi Forest Reserve around Mdeka area where they found two traps and a spear in the protected area which they used to kill the endangered species.
Appearing in court, both accused pleaded guilty to four counts levelled against them which led to them being convicted.
In mitigation, the two asked for court’s leniency stating that they have family obligations.
In her submission, Chigawa cited that the accused persons planned very well and entered into protected area and executed the crime without being noticed.
Furthermore, Chigawa said that offences of such nature are common and the Antelope is worthy millions of Kwacha hence pleaded with the court to impose a fine that would not be less than the value of the Antelope.
Passing sentence Senior Resident Magistrate Rodrick Michongwe concurred with the state.
He therefore sentenced each of them to 3-years for the count of entering into the protected area without permission, 6-years for carrying weapon without permission, 13-years for killing an endangered animal species and 9-years imprisonment with hard labour for possessing a specimen of endangered species.
All sentences to run concurrently.
Both convicts hail from Mgoji Village Traditional Authority Bwananyambi in Mangochi.
Sub Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi
PRO- Mangochi Police Station
Cell:0999-706-525
Email:mamateps1152@gmail.com
Website:www.police.gov.mw