LUSAKA - The Lusaka Magistrates' Court has sentenced five people to five years' imprisonment with hard labour after they were convicted of illegally possessing a live ground pangolin.
The convicted individuals are Lutangu Namushi, 35, Melody Mwangala, 39, Abigail Sitali, 22, Nawa Pelekelo, 33, and Peter Mukela, 32. All five pleaded guilty to the offence.
According to the prosecution, the group was arrested on February 1, 2026, at Novare Mall in Lusaka while in possession of a 7-kilogram live ground pangolin.
Investigations established that the protected animal had been sourced from Kalabo District and was allegedly intended for sale to foreign buyers.
The Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) said the successful prosecution demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations in disrupting illegal wildlife trafficking networks.
The department further noted that pangolins are among the world's most threatened mammals and play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Authorities have since urged members of the public to reject the illegal wildlife trade and to report any suspected wildlife crimes to the Zambia Police Service or the Department of National Parks and Wildlife.
Source: Mwebantu