Six suspects appear in Lusaka Magistrates’ court over alleged possession of elephant ivories worth K2.64 million

Six men have appeared in Lusaka Magistrates’ Court over a major elephant ivory seizure worth K2.64 million. The accused — Gift Miyanda, Mugundumu Miyanda, Mark Mukanya, Malikiso Inambao, Webster Muzyamba (all Zambian) and Babou Awazi Selemani (Democratic Republic of Congo) — denied the charges when they appeared before Resident Magistrate Peter Mungala. They face charges of illegal possession of a prescribed trophy under Section 130(2)(a) of the Zambia Wildlife Act.

Investigations indicate that on March 9, 2026, officers from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife acted on intelligence to search a property in Chandamali compound, Lilayi. During the operation, they found seven wrapped boxes and two black polythene bags containing 94 pieces of elephant ivory. Two suspects were apprehended at the scene, while further inquiries led to the arrest of four more, including the Congolese national.

Authorities are now probing the source of the ivory and potential trafficking networks. The accused, through counsel Sophia Kapapa, applied for bail pending trial. The matter has been adjourned to April 9, 2026, for a ruling on the bail application. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.