The Nchelenge Magistrate’s Court has sentenced a 50-year-old man to 60 months imprisonment with hard labour for unlawful possession of a crocodile carcass. ‎John Mukuka of Kapema Village in Nchelenge District pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a protected trophy, contrary…

The Nchelenge Magistrate’s Court has sentenced a 50-year-old man to 60 months imprisonment with hard labour for unlawful possession of a crocodile carcass.

‎John Mukuka of Kapema Village in Nchelenge District pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a protected trophy, contrary to Section 130 of the Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015 of the Laws of Zambia, as read with Statutory Instrument No. 42 of 2016.
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‎The particulars of the offence are that on August 28, 2026, in Chienge District, Mukuka was found in possession of a full carcass of a crocodile without lawful authority.
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‎The court heard from State prosecutor  Sinyinda Mbangweta that on the same day, around 13:00 hours, officers from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife were patrolling in Lusenga National Park when they found Mukuka with the crocodile carcass.
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‎Mbangweta said that the officers asked him to produce documents authorizing him to possess the protected trophy, but he failed to produce any.
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‎”He was subsequently apprehended and taken to Nchelenge Police Station, where he was detained for safe custody, while the crocodile carcass was seized,” said Mbangweta.
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‎He added that the carcass was later examined and confirmed to be that of a crocodile, which is a protected animal.

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‎When asked if the facts presented by the state were true and correct, Mukuka responded in affirmative.

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‎Upon his own admission of the facts, Resident Magistrate Luckson Mbewe, convicted Mukuka accordingly.

‎In mitigation, Mukula pleaded with the court for leniency.

‎Magistrate Mbewe said he took into consideration that Mukuka was a first offender who readily admitted the charge without wasting the court’s time, noting that being found in possession of a government trophy is a very serious offence.

‎”I am sending you to prison for 60 months with hard labour so that others can learn from you,” Magistrate Mbewe ruled.