Five men have been arraigned before the Lusaka Magistrate Court on charges related to the illegal possession of prescribed trophies, in violation of Zambia’s wildlife conservation laws. The accused — Luhale Alumba, Osemo Wembo Luhale, Allan Ngwangwa, Peter Kainga Mukanga, and Watson Zyoya — are jointly facing one count of unlawful possession of ivory.
According to court documents, the accused individuals were allegedly found in possession of 69 pieces of ivory weighing a total of 528.8 kilograms. The offence is said to have occurred between April 12 and April 13, 2025, within Lusaka District.
The five men appeared before Magistrate Kawama Mwanfuli on Wednesday, where they each entered a plea of not guilty to the charges leveled against them.
The ivory, classified as a prescribed trophy under the Zambia Wildlife Act, is protected by strict regulations. The possession, trade, or transportation of such items without the necessary permits is a serious offence, punishable under Zambian law.
State prosecutors indicated that the case involves extensive investigations due to the volume and weight of the confiscated ivory, which is suspected to be linked to a larger wildlife trafficking network.
Magistrate Mwanfuli has since adjourned the matter to a later date for commencement of trial. The accused remain in custody pending bail considerations.
Wildlife conservationists have praised the arrest and prosecution as a positive step in the fight against poaching and illegal wildlife trade in the region. Zambia, like many other African nations, continues to grapple with the challenge of protecting its rich biodiversity from traffickers.
By Nicole Namwinga
