Malawi Defense Force (MDF) soldier Manison Anania Msokwa has earned himself a five-year custodial sentence for illegal possession of a live pangolin.

Msokwa, 54, was apprehended by the police on December 15, 2020, in Salima district following a tip which led to recovery of the endangered animal which was hidden in the convict’s vehicle.

When the matter was brought before court, the convict was charged with two counts namely; possession of Specimen of listed Species and Offering for sale specimen of listed species. The convict, however, pleaded not guilty to all charges.

After parading 6 state witnesses, the presiding Magistrate then, Joan Kwatiwani, whom we understand recused herself from the case, found the accused guilty of all the two counts.

Delivering sentence on Monday, October 31, 2022, Senior Resident Magistrate Mankhwazi concurred with the state that despite being the first offender, the convict deserves a custodial sentence.

“Being a law enforcer himself, the convict was supposed to be in the forefront protection the wildlife but, instead he chose to disrespect the uniform.

“Committing an office whilst in MDF Uniform with an aim of scaring people translates to bringing the MDF into disrepute.”  Reads part of the statement

The magistrate also emphasized that the convict deserves to spend time behind bars considering that the act may lead to extinction of wildlife species including Pangolins which in turn would suffoce the country’s economic fortunes created by the tourism sector.

The court has thus sentenced the accused to five years imprisonment for the first count and a similar sentence on the second count. The two sentences will run concurrently from the day of sentencing.

The court has also forfeited a motor Vehicle Toyota Ractis valued at K5 million which belonged to the convict. The forfeiture of the vehicle follows an application by the state to have the item forfeited to Malawi Government on the basis that it was used by the convict in the commissioning of the crime.

State Prosecutor, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police, Levinson Mangani has welcomed the sentence saying it will dater other would-be offenders regardless of the social, political and professional status.

Msokwa who hails from Ibanga Village in the area of Traditional Authority Mwaulambia in Chitipa District, has served in the Malawi Defense Force for 31 years.