By Melissa Gwejula

Police at Lunzu, under Chileka Police Station, are keeping in custody a 31-year-old minibus conductor, Maxwell Makunda, for allegedly being found in possession of a live pangolin.

According to Chileka Police Station Publicist Sergeant Jonathan phillipo, on November 28, 2022, Lunzu Police Unit detectives got a tip from members of the community that the suspect was keeping and offering for sale a live pangolin in Lunzu.

Following the tip, the detectives went to the suspect’s house where they found him in possession of the endangered species.

He was then arrested and taken to Lunzu police Unit which is under Chileka police station.

The suspect has been charged with illegal possession of specimen of listed species and government trophies contrary to section 110(b) of the National Parks and Wildlife Act.

He will appear before the court of law soon after completion of police paperwork.

Meanwhile, Chileka police has commended members of the community for their support in the fight against wildlife crimes.

Maxwell Makunda hails from Butao village, in the area of Traditional Authority Mlauli in Neno District.