Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court sitting in Blantyre has set March 24, 2025, as the date for its ruling on whether six suspects accused of illegal wildlife trade have a case to answer.

The accused, including Nadim Omar, were allegedly found in possession of two pieces of worked ivory and two pieces of rhino horns. They were arrested between July 26 and 31, 2024, on charges of possession and dealing in illegal wildlife products, in violation of the National Parks and Wildlife Act. The other suspects are Steven Kandoje, Chrissy Dailesi, Elizabeth Mpira, Helen Maunjiri, and Ronex Lopanda.

On Monday, the state paraded two forensic experts, Fyson Suwedi and Mphatso Chibwana. Their testimonies were followed by the Director of National Parks and Wildlife, Brighton Kumchedwa, who testified in court that possession of any wildlife product is prohibited by the law.

State prosecutor Levison Mangani has requested 21 days to file written submissions, a request that Chief Resident Magistrate Sajida Maideni has granted. The court will now determine on March 24 whether the accused will stand trial.

Source: MBC Online