Dedza Police deputy spokesperson Cassim Manda has revealed that a 39-year-old man was sentenced to six years imprisonment for being found in possession of a pangolin. The animal, being a protected species was illegally in the man’s possession, which according to the National Parks and Wildlife Act of 2017, is a crime worth of 30 years imprisonment without fine.

Dedza Magistrate’s Court found the man, Wisiki Magombo, guilty of the crime as the said animal also died of starvation died under his care, or lack thereof. Magistrate Symon Mwambo said that the 6 year sentence was 5 times lenient, considering that the National Wildlife Act of 2017 charges a 30 year stiffer penalty.

On the other hand, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife has reported that wildlife crimes increased last year, from 600 cases in 2018 to 1000.

The Department’s Director Brighton Kumchedwa told the Nation On Sunday newspaper that the cases have been followed up and arrests have been made, specifically 11 Chinese nationals in May and August during the year in review.