The Mangochi Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court has convicted and sentenced Andrew Kombo, 33, a pastor at Malindi Faith Ministries Church, and James Wilson, 55, to six years imprisonment with hard labour each for being found in possession of a live pangolin, contrary to Section 110(b) of the National Parks and Wildlife Act.
The court heard through the Station Prosecution Officer (SPO), Inspector Amos Mwase, that on the evening of July 10, 2025, Mangochi Police detectives received a tip-off from community members that two men were in possession of a live pangolin and were offering it for sale at Ntagaluka village, under Traditional Authority Chowe in Mangochi.
Acting on the information, police officers in coordination with officials from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, rushed to the scene and apprehended the two convicts after they were found with the live pangolin hidden in a black laptop bag.
Both convicts pleaded guilty to the charge and asked for leniency, citing family responsibilities.
In his submission, prosecutor Mwase reminded the court that the offence is serious in nature as it threatens the protection of endangered species and harms efforts to preserve the environment and promote wildlife-based tourism.
In his ruling, Senior Resident Magistrate Muhammad Chande concurred with the state, emphasizing the need to deter others from committing similar offences. He then sentenced each of the convicts to six years imprisonment with hard labour.
Pastor Kombo hails from Khuyu Village, Traditional Authority Mkumba in Likoma, while Wilson comes from Mtiwule Village, Traditional Authority Makanjira in Mangochi.
lnspector Amina Tepani Daudi
PRO- Mangochi Police Station
Cell:0999-706-525
Email:amina.tepani@police.gov.mw
Website:www.police.gov.mw