The Salima Magistrate Court has sentenced Rashid Peter, a resident of Mgaya Village under Traditional Authority Kambwiri in Salima, to seven years imprisonment for illegal possession of three elephant tusks weighing 4.9 kilograms.

According to state prosecutor Justice Manolo, police acted on a tip-off from concerned citizens that Peter was selling ivory at Katelera Trading Center. During the court proceedings, Peter pleaded guilty and requested leniency, citing that his family depended on him.

However, Manolo urged the court to impose a stiff penalty, arguing that possession of three tusks indicated that multiple elephants were killed.

Presiding Magistrate Anthony Banda concurred with the prosecution and handed down the seven-year sentence, emphasizing that it should serve as a deterrent to others.