By Ernest Mfunya

Mangochi, June 29, Mana. Police at Namwera in Mangochi District have arrested three Mozambican nationals for being found in possession of five pieces of elephant ivory at Namwera Trading Centre.

Mangochi Police Station Public Relations Officer (PRO), Inspector Amina Daudi, identified the suspects as Shoriano Juwao Bizwick, 31, Nelson Bala, 36, and Ziti Rajabu, 34, all from Nyerere Village, Mandimba District in Mozambique.

According to Daudi, Namwera Police detectives received a tip-off from community members that five Mozambicans were offering pieces of elephant ivory for sale at Namwera Trading Centre.

She said that the Police collaborated with Wildlife Crime Investigation Unit to arrest the suspects who were found with five pieces of elephant ivory weighing 12kg each

"The Ivory pieces were wrapped in a sack and carried on their motorcycle. However, the other two suspects managed to escape," Tepani added.

She said that Bizwick, Bala and Rajabu are expected to appear in court next week to face charges of Illegal possession of specimen of listed species without a license, contrary to Section 110(b) of the National Parks and Wildlife Act.

Tepani commended community members for contributing to the fight against wildlife crime in the district.

Meanwhile Police have lodged manhunt to arrest the two suspects who are on the run.