The Chipata Magistrates Court has sentenced a man of Chief Saili’s area in Chipata district to five years imprisonment with hard labour, on one count of being found in possession of prescribed trophy.
Appearing before Magistrate Moses Mkumba Phiri yesterday for sentencing was Martin Daka.
Particulars of the offence are that Daka, on December 31st 2017, in Chipata had in his possession six pieces of ivory without certificate of ownership from the Director of National Parks and Wildlife.
Daka who denied having committed the offence told the court in his defense that the owner of the ivory, a Mr. Phiri ran away and that he was instead arrested.
In his judgement, Magistrate Phiri said the court was satisfied that the prosecution had proved its case against the convict.
He said Daka did not show remorse as he declined in saying anything in mitigation, because he was not satisfied with the court’s ruling.
Magistrate Phiri therefore, sentenced Daka to five years imprisonment with hard labour with effect from December 31st 2017.