Ntaja Police Post in Machinga District is keeping in custody a 58-year-old man for allegedly being found in possession of listed species.

Assistant Eastern Region Police Spokesperson Tionge Kayenda told YFM that the suspect Wakisi James was found with a live Pangolin on Monday, November 23, 2020 at Nyenje Trading Centre.

Kayenda said some community members informed the police that the suspect was selling live pangolin.

“On this particular day Eastern Region detectives were tipped by well-wishers that the said suspect was offering live Pangolin for sale,” said Kayenda.

Kayenda further said a joint operation with wildlife investigators, detectives from Eastern Region Police Headquarters and Liwonde Police located and arrested the said suspect.

At the time of arrest, the Pangolin was hidden in a 25-litre plastic gallon wrapped with a sack.

Meantime, the live Pangolin has been handed over to Liwonde National park and the suspect will appear in court soon to answer charges of illegal possession of listed species.

James hails from Nyenje village, Traditional Authority Kawinga in Machinga.