–Mkushi villager gets a year sentence or K 2000 fine for possessing govt trophy

 Mkushi Magistrate Stanley Sinyangwe  has slapped  a 32 year old man a K2,000  fine or 12 months imprisonment with hard labour in default, for unlawful possession of government trophy.

Magistrate Sinyangwe sentenced Davis Kangwa the fine or the sentence for  violation of Section 100 sub section 1 and , as well as 135 of the Zambia Wildlife Act number 12 of 1998 of the Laws of Zambia.

Facts established before the court are that Mr. Kangwa, a former employee at Chabwino farm, was found in possession of 4 wild Guinea Fowl carcasses as well as a bottle of Avi-mono-crotophos Toxic substance.

Neighbors who had found Mr. Kangwa in possession of the Birds and poison had first queried him about the merchandise, before reporting the matter to Police on 12th September 2014.

Magistrate Sinyangwe said that the Court had exercised leniency in sentencing Mr. Kangwa as he was a first offender who had readily admitted to the Charge of possessing wildlife without a ZAWA(Zambia Wildlife Authority) License.

Mr. Sinyangwe however pointed out that the use of poison had aggravated the Charge as it is believed that Mr. Kangwa aimed at selling the Guinea Fowl carcasses.

He said that the sentence was then applied in order to accord the accused the chance to reform, as well as serve as a deterrent against all would be Offenders.

He also said that the bottle of Toxic substance had since been forfeited to the State to be destroyed by the Director General of ZAWA as the authorities deem it fit.

He said that Mr. Kangwa would have to serve 12 months imprisonment with hard labour in default of paying the Fine of K3,000.