By Ruth Ndolo and Sibongile Kumwenda
Police in Lilongwe have arrested two individuals for illegal possession of listed species, specifically raw ivory, which they were reportedly attempting to sell at Likuni Football Ground on the evening of May 19, 2025.
The suspects, identified as Gift Phiri, 45, of Wanyala Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Santhe in Kasungu, and Florina Lackson, 41, of Chala Village, T/A Malili in Lilongwe, were apprehended by detectives from Lilongwe Police Station following a tip-off.
According to Lilongwe Police Deputy Public Relations Officer Sergeant Khumbo Sanyiwa, law enforcers acted swiftly after receiving intelligence that the duo was offering raw ivory for sale. A team of detectives was dispatched to the scene and intercepted the suspects at around 17:00 hours.
“Upon searching the suspects, officers discovered seven pieces of raw ivory hidden in a bag,” said Sergeant Sanyiwa in an official statement.
The two are currently in police custody and are expected to appear in court soon, where they will answer charges of being found in possession of listed species, a serious offense under Malawi’s wildlife conservation laws.
Possession and trafficking of ivory are prohibited under the National Parks and Wildlife Act, which aims to combat poaching and protect endangered species such as elephants.
Lilongwe Police have since applauded the public for providing timely information and have urged citizens to continue reporting any suspicious activities related to wildlife crimes.
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