In a statement made available to Money FM News, Ministry of Tourism and Arts Public Relations officer Sakabilo Kalebwe says the Court has convicted and sentenced Lubinda Lay, 43-year-old man to six years imprisonment with hard labour for Unlawful Possession of three pairs of ivory, contrary to section 130(2) (a) of the Zambia Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015.
Mr Kalembwe says the suspect is a mid-level ivory illegal dealer, middleman between poachers and kingpins who has been on the Department of National Parks and Wildlife’s wanted-list, was finally apprehended with the contraband in Chief Phikamalaza’s area.
He further says in another case, the Court convicted and sentenced Moses Nyirongo (36) to six months imprisonment with hard labour for Unlawful Possession of a firearm contrary to Section 10 of the Firearms Act, Chapter 110 of the Laws of Zambia.
“Illegal wildlife activities especially poaching according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature is pushing many species to the brink of extinction.” He said
He says According to recent surveys conducted by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) with the support of World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) and International Crane Foundation (ICF), species like the Kafue Lechwe population that stood at 28,711 in 2015 now stands at 23,306 animals.
He notices that indiscriminate poaching of elephants and other wildlife is a threat to the environment and to Zambia’s economic development as it denies the country maximum benefits from sustainable tourism.

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