The High Court, sitting in Chipata, has jailed two men to seven years’ imprisonment with hard labour for illegal possession of eight kilogrammes of ivory and leopard skin.

In a press release, Wednesday, Ministry of Tourism and Arts public relations officer Sakabilo Kalembwe stated that another man was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment with hard labour for illegal possession of ivory weighing up to two Kgs.

“The three men were tried and convicted by the Lundazi Subordinate Court and committed to the High Court for sentencing. The High Court, sitting in Chipata, sentenced Oscar Nyirongo, aged 38, to seven years’ imprisonment with hard labour for the eight kilogrammes of ivory, contrary to section 130 (2) (a) of the ZWA No. 14 of 2015,” Kalembwe stated.

He further explained that, similarly, the Court sentenced Gabriel Nkhoma to seven years’ imprisonment with hard labour for unlawful possession of prescribed trophy, namely one leopard skin, contrary to section 130 (2) (a) of the ZWA No. 14 of 2015.

And Morgan Ngulube was also sentenced to six years’ imprisonment with hard labour for ivory weighing two Kgs contrary to section 130 (2) (a) of the ZWA No. 14 of 2015.

The illegal possession of prescribed trophies, such as ivory, rhino horn, lion, cheetah and leopard skins are serious crimes in Zambia and attract penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment with no option of a fine, according to Kalembwe.