A SUSPECTED Congolese ivory trafficker will be dancing Rhumba all the way to police cells after he was apprehended with five accomplices in a sting operation carried out by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) in Lusaka’s 6 Miles area yesterday.
Acting on credible intelligence provided by alert members of the public, DNPW’s Intelligence and Investigations Unit intercepted a silver Toyota Quantum Hiace minibus, BAZ 6727 ZM at approximately 12:30 hours along the Great North Road.
Inside, officers discovered a staggering 528.8 kilogrammes of elephant ivory, carefully concealed in 20 sack bags.
DNPW Director Dominic Chiinda revealed that the ivory comprising 72 separate pieces, was being trafficked by a Congolese national believed to be the ringleader of a larger wildlife crime syndicate, with ties possibly stretching across borders.
“This interception sends a clear message that Zambia is not a safe haven for wildlife criminals,” Chiinda said.
“We remain vigilant and steadfast in our mission to dismantle illegal wildlife trafficking networks. The collaboration between the public, law enforcement, and conservation stakeholders is critical, and we thank all those who played a role in this successful operation.”
The suspects, all of whom are in custody, will face formal charges under the Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015 and are expected to be prosecuted for dealing in elephant parts without lawful authority and unlawful possession of a prescribed trophy.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Tourism, which oversees DNPW, has lauded the operation as a milestone in the ongoing fight against wildlife crime.
The Ministry’s principal public relations officer Nelly Banda said the arrest comes at a time when poaching and the illegal trade in wildlife products remain one of the region’s most pressing conservation threats.
She called on the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities related to wildlife crimes.
“This operation reflects Zambia’s strong stance against wildlife crime and our commitment to the protection of endangered species such as elephants,” stated Banda.
By George Musonda
Kalemba April 14, 2025