Police in Mangochi have arrested four men for illegal possession of specimen of endangered species contrary to Section 110(b) of National Parks and Wildlife Act.

Mangochi Police Spokesperson Sub Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi the has confirmed the arrest and identified the suspects as Davie Fungulani, 40(ex-police officer), Davie Yakiti, 62, Sharif Makwinja, 39 and Mcdad Maziyaya, 39.

It is reported that, on July 18, 2022 Mangochi Police detectives were tipped by members of the public that the said suspects were offering for sale pieces of elephant ivory at ldrusi Trading Centre.

The officers in conjunction with Wildlife Crime Investigation Unit rushed to the scene and arrested the suspects after being found with three pieces of raw ivory weighing 36.4kgs which were hidden in a black plastic bag.

The suspects are claiming to have acquired the specimen from Mozambique.

They will appear before court after investigations are completed.

Meanwhile police wish to thank members of the public for their continued support in the fight against wildlife crime in the district.