Zambia : Lusaka Man Gets Five Years For Illegal Possession Of Leopard Skin

The Lusaka Subordinate Court has sentenced a 34-year-old man to five years imprisonment with hard labour after he was found in illegal possession of a leopard skin.

Raphael Simwale was convicted on 4th August, 2026 by Webster Milumbe following a prosecution by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW).

According to DNPW, officers received information on 9th December, 2025 about a suspect in possession of a leopard skin in Lusaka.

Acting on the intelligence, a team conducted a follow up operation the next day and apprehended Simwale at Spot Mall, a leopard skin was recovered from him during the operation.

According to a statement issued to the media by Wildlife Crime Prevention Assistant Communication Officer, Salima Mvula, the conviction demonstrates the government’s commitment to enforcing wildlife laws and protecting endangered species.

“Leopards play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by regulating prey populations and contributing to ecological balance.

“The illegal hunting and trade of leopard trophies continue to threaten the survival of the species while undermining Zambia’s biodiversity and the tourism industry that supports many local livelihoods,” she added.

Ms Mvula added that the unlawful possession and trafficking of wildlife trophies remain serious offences under the Zambia Wildlife Act.

“This conviction serves as a reminder that those involved in wildlife crime will be held accountable and it reflects the continued commitment of law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to protecting Zambia’s natural heritage for future generations,” she stated.

She has since urged members of the public to report any suspicious wildlife crime activities to DNPW or the Zambia Police Service.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Hot this week

NAC launches Ngoma Awards Guidelines August 5, 2026 0 The National Arts Council (NAC) has successfully launched the... General News

Govt receives 17 classroom blocks, hails partnerships in education sector August 5, 2026 0 Government says partnerships in the education sector remain critical... Sports

Daka targets success at Hamburger August 5, 2026 0 Chipolopolo striker Patson Daka says he is targeting success... General News

Increased people movements contributing to malaria spread- EMF August 5, 2026 0 End Malaria Fund (ENF) Chairperson, Peter Cottan, says increased... Sports

Mutapa appointed U20 coach as FAZ eyes AFCON August 5, 2026 0 The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has appointed Chipolopolo...

Topics

NAC launches Ngoma Awards Guidelines 0 The National Arts Council (NAC) has successfully launched the... General News

Govt receives 17 classroom blocks, hails partnerships in education sector 0 Government says partnerships in the education sector remain critical... Sports

Daka targets success at Hamburger 0 Chipolopolo striker Patson Daka says he is targeting success... General News

Increased people movements contributing to malaria spread- EMF 0 End Malaria Fund (ENF) Chairperson, Peter Cottan, says increased... Sports

Mutapa appointed U20 coach as FAZ eyes AFCON 0 The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has appointed Chipolopolo... Headlines

CSOs slam SMS messages linking Social Cash Transfer to UPND vote 11 Civil society organisations have condemned reports that text messages... Headlines

Hichilema unveils Copperbelt package, to personally pay ZESCO fees for 16,000 households 14 President Hakainde Hichilema has unveiled a sweeping package of... Columns

He Is Protecting His US$4 Million Eagle Milling Scandal by Spreading a False Narrative 12 He Is Protecting His US$4 Million Eagle Milling Scandal...

Related Articles

NAC launches Ngoma Awards Guidelines

Govt receives 17 classroom blocks, hails partnerships in education sector General News August 5, 2026

Increased people movements contributing to malaria spread- EMF

Mporokoso Praises ECZ Ballot Handling Professionalism

Five Lusaka Residents Jailed Five Years for Possession of Pangolin

Popular Categories