The Kalomo Subordinate Court has sentenced two men to five years’ imprisonment each with hard labour for the illegal possession of a live ground pangolin and leopard skin.
On 24 September 2025, officers from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife apprehended Orbet Muyunda (43) and Kelvin Imangolwa (28) in Kalomo District after finding them in possession of the protected wildlife trophies, which they were allegedly attempting to sell.
The two were jointly charged with two counts of unlawful possession of prescribed trophies, contrary to Section 130(1) of the Zambia Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015. They first appeared before Hamaimbo Mooya on 8 October 2025, where both accused pleaded guilty.
The trial ran from 27 October 2025 to 26 January 2026, during which the prosecution called four witnesses. The court ruled that the accused had a case to answer and placed them on their defence.
On 2 February 2026, Hon. Mooya delivered judgment, finding that both counts had been proven beyond reasonable doubt. Each accused was convicted and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment with hard labour on both counts, with the sentences ordered to run concurrently.
Illegal wildlife trade remains one of the most serious threats to global biodiversity and is ranked as the fourth most lucrative transnational crime worldwide. The illegal hunting and trade of big cats, such as leopards, undermine ecosystems, threaten tourism-based livelihoods, and push species closer to extinction. Pangolins, which are listed as endangered and are the most trafficked mammals globally, are particularly vulnerable, often suffering severe stress and trauma when removed from their natural habitat.
