JOHN KOMBE writes
@SunZambian
A ZAMBIA Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) officer, identified as Stephen Chikwasha of Mpuka Community Resource Board (CRB) in Luangwa District, has been named as the mastermind of an elephant tusks trading syndicate in the area.
Chikwasha was identified as the one behind the illegal hunting of elephants for ivory in the Luangwa Valley in a case in which five men appeared in the Chongwe Magistrates Court for illegal possession of ivory. The officer is reportedly on the run.
The suspects, who included Victor Lungu, Edwin Chilenzeka, Boyd Mumba of Luangwa district, Vincent Nyangu and Anthony Banda of Lusaka, were arrested after being found with 11.3 Kgs of elephant tusks contrary to section 130 of the ZAWA.
The five appeared before Magistrate Majory Saasa but denied the charge. But during cross examination, the suspects named the ZAWA officer as the mater mind behind the illegal business.
Chongwe ZAWA investigations officer, Jane Munangisa told the court that investigations revealed that the said game scout was implicated, was on the run but was being sought.
Particulars of the offence are that, on January, 28, Victor Lungu was found in possession of the said trophies and arrested by ZAWA officers in Chongwe.
He later led the officers to the co-accused who was apprehended in separate incidents in Lusaka and Luangwa.
The matter was adjourned to September, 18 for continued trial.
