The Chikwawa First Grade Magistrate’s court has ordered a 39 year-old Eliya Jofeni, to pay K21.2 million fine for killing endangered species called Sable antelope.

The court heard through Parks and Wildlife prosecutor Kennedy Chihana that Jofeni was on 4th September, 2021 entered into protected areas of Majete Game Reserve and killed Sable antelope without permission from the Director of Parks and Wildlife.

When appearing in court, Jofeni pleaded guilty to the counts leveled against him including entering into a protected area without permission, possessing a firearm without permission and killing endangered species.

In his submission, Chihana prayed for a stiffer custodial sentence to the convict citing the killed animal was valued at K21 million according to National Parks and Wildlife Act.

He further added that killings of protected species are becoming rampant in Chikwawa, hence harsh punishment will deter other would be offenders.

In mitigation, Jofeni asked the court for leniency since he admitted to the offences and added that he is a bread winner for his family.

When passing sentence, First Grade Magistrate Gladstone Chilundu concurred with state and fined the convict K21.2 million in default to spend three years imprisonment with hard labour.

Jofeni hails Njolomola Village, Traditional Authority Kanduku in Mwanza District.