PANGOLIN LANDS MAN 5 YEARS JAIL TERM

Mulenga Musonda writes@sunzambianA 41 years old man of Itezhi Tezhi district has been slapped with 5 years’ imprisonment by the Choma Magistrates Court for unlawful possession of a Pangolin.In this matter, Friday Hachoolwe pleaded guilty to one count of Unlawful Possession of a Protected Animal contrary to the Laws of Zambia.Particulars of the offence are that Friday Hachoolwe jointly and whilst acting with Alick Chiyanika and Noah Phiri had in their possession a live Pangolin without a Certificate of ownership issued in respect thereof.The incident happened on October 15 and the three were apprehended on the same day in Choma district of Southern Province.When they appeared for Plea before Magistrate Muyambango Munukayumbwa, only Hachoolwe admitted the offence. His two alleged accomplices distanced themselves from the charge.According to the Facts dictated by Public Prosecutor Dexter Kwalela, Hachoolwe was apprehended by Officers from the Department of Wildlife with the Nocturnal creature when he was in search of a Buyer.Before charging the suspect the Officer Bright Nkhoma established that the Hachoolwe did not have a certificate of ownership.Despite Hachoolwe pleading guilty and begging for lenience, Magistrate Munukayumbwa explained to him that his hands were tied as the offence has a minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years.He thus sentenced to Hachoolwe 5 years imprisonment with hard labour, effective date of arrest. The Sun