The Lusaka Magistrates’ Court has sentenced two men to six years in prison with hard labor for illegally killing 17 lions and selling their bones.
Alick Bulayani, a 45-year-old car dealer from John Laing, and Erasmas Mukalahani, a 32-year-old miner from Maamba, were convicted of illegal possession of protected animal parts, contrary to Section 130 (1) of the Zambia Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015.
The court found that the two were in possession of 17 lion skulls and other bones when they were apprehended in Lusaka on November 28, 2021.
Delivering judgment, Magistrate Chrispine Hampungani stated that the gravity of the offense warranted a harsh sentence.
“The offense carries a mandatory sentence of five years. Looking at the number of bones found, you deserve the maximum sentence of 10 years. We are talking about 17 lions that lost their lives because you had a market for the bones.”
The court heard that the accused were apprehended following an undercover operation conducted by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW).
Park ranger Bright Nkhima testified that he acted as a buyer after receiving intelligence that three individuals were seeking to sell lion bones.
The sting operation led to the arrest of the suspects at Cosmopolitan Mall before they were taken to a residence where the bones were stored.
Molecular biologist Frank Banda, a witness for the prosecution, confirmed that DNA analysis of the confiscated bones matched that of lions.
He further stated that such cases are becoming increasingly common, posing a serious threat to Zambia’s wildlife population.
In mitigation, the defense lawyers argued that the accused were first-time offenders with no prior criminal records. They claimed that their clients had learned from their mistakes and wished to serve as wildlife conservation advocates to prevent similar offenses in the future.
However, the prosecution emphasized the severity of the crime, highlighting that the illicit trade in animal parts fuels poaching and endangers the survival of protected species.
Magistrate Hampungani ultimately sentenced the duo to six years with hard labor, taking into account their status as first offenders.
He underscored that the punishment should serve as a warning to others involved in wildlife trafficking.
