The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested and charged a 25-year-old Lusaka taxi driver, Bobby Chinyama, over an alleged K5,000 bribe intended to secure the release of 56 protected exotic birds valued at up to K210,000. Chinyama, of Balastone in the Jamaica area of Lusaka, faces one count of corrupt practices contrary to Section 19(2) of […]

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested and charged a 25-year-old Lusaka taxi driver, Bobby Chinyama, over an alleged K5,000 bribe intended to secure the release of 56 protected exotic birds valued at up to K210,000.

Chinyama, of Balastone in the Jamaica area of Lusaka, faces one count of corrupt practices contrary to Section 19(2) of the Anti-Corruption Act, Chapter 91 of the Laws of Zambia.

According to the ACC, the alleged offence occurred between September 1 and September 30, 2026, when Chinyama allegedly offered and gave K5,000 to facilitate the release of the birds, which had been intercepted by officers from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) at Nakonde Bus Station.

The birds, identified as Vulturine Guinea Fowls, were reportedly being transported to Lusaka when wildlife officers intercepted them. The ACC alleges that Chinyama did not have the required authority to import or possess the birds.

The Commission stated that the alleged K5,000 payment was sent through mobile money to an individual who was expected to pass it on to the wildlife officers as an inducement to release the birds.

The 56 birds are estimated to have a combined black-market value ranging from K168,000 to K210,000, based on an estimated individual value of between K3,000 and K3,750.
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Vulturine Guinea Fowls are native to northeastern Africa and are among the exotic birds whose possession and transportation in Zambia require the appropriate permits under wildlife protection laws.

According to the ACC, the birds are sought after by some affluent individuals for private ownership, including keeping them as pets or displaying them in residential yards.

The case has raised concerns about the illegal trade in protected wildlife and the alleged use of corruption to facilitate the release and movement of wildlife specimens.

The ACC has warned that corruption in the wildlife sector undermines efforts to protect Zambia’s natural heritage and threatens the preservation of wildlife resources for future generations.

Chinyama has since been released on bond pending court appearance. The allegations against him have yet to be determined by a court.

The Commission has urged members of the public not to offer, promise or give bribes to public officers in exchange for favours or the improper performance of their duties.

It has also encouraged anyone with information about suspected corruption to report the matter through its countrywide offices or by calling its toll-free line, 5980.

The case highlights the importance of enforcing wildlife protection laws and preventing alleged corrupt practices from undermining efforts to curb the illegal trade in protected species.
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