The accused — Gift Miyanda, Mugundumu Miyanda, Mark Mukanya, Babou Awazi Selemani, Malikiso Inambao, and Webster Muzyamba — are charged with illegal possession of wildlife specimens, contrary to Section 130(2)(a) of the Zambia Wildlife Act.
The six appeared before Magistrate Sydney Mungala on March 31, 2026, where they pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The suspects were arrested on March 9, 2026, following an intelligence-led operation by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife. Officers raided a property in Chandamali compound in Lilayi, Lusaka, where they discovered 94 pieces of elephant ivory weighing 471.8 kilograms, concealed in seven wrapped boxes and two black polythene bags.
Two suspects were apprehended at the scene, while four others were arrested later after further investigations.
During the bail hearing, defence lawyer Sophia Kapapa applied for bail pending trial, citing the period the accused had already spent in custody.
However, Magistrate Peter Mungala denied the application, ruling that the accused had failed to meet the conditions required for bail.
The matter has been adjourned to May 4, 2026, for commencement of trial.
For once this must complimented as a job weldone by all involved
Lets hope the police put their act together for once
A court in Lusaka has refused bail to six suspects accused in a K2.6 million ivory trafficking case. The decision keeps them in custody as investigations continue into illegal wildlife trade activities.