By 
Chama District Commissioner, Yobe Goma, together with his driver and two other civil servants, have been apprehended for offences relating to poaching in Musalangu Game Management Area (GMA).
On September, 19, 2025, acting on intelligence reports from members of the public who heard gunshots in the Mapamba-Chifunda area of Musalangu GMA, Department of National Parks and Wildlife Police Officers mobilised and laid an ambush in an effort to intercept the suspects.
Ministry of Tourism Principal Public Relations Officer, Nelly Banda, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued in Lusaka on Sunday.
Although the initial attempt was unsuccessful, a follow-up operation was conducted on September 20, 2025, where officers, working alongside a K9 unit, mounted a roadblock and intercepted a government vehicle, a white Toyota Land Cruiser Registration No. GRZ 01DB.
“Upon searching the vehicle, officers recovered two wildlife carcasses, namely an Impala and a Puku,” Banda said.
She stated that the four occupants, including the District Commissioner, his driver and two officers from his office, were immediately taken into custody and will be charged with unlawful hunting in a Game Management Area contrary to Section 31, as read together with Section 136 of the Act.
Additionally, unlawful possession of government trophy contrary to Section 97(1)(2), as read with Section 136 of the Act.
“In accordance with Section 120 of the Zambia Wildlife Act, the following items have since been seized: One (1) full carcass of impala, One (1) full carcass of puku and One (1) GRZ Toyota Land Cruiser, Registration No. GRZ 01DB (white in colour),” Banda said.
Preliminary investigations have further revealed that the suspects were aided by a Wildlife Police Officer and certain Community Scouts.
Banda said the Department views such conduct as an act of gross indiscipline and betrayal of public trust.
She said the implicated officers would face appropriate legal action in line with the provisions of the Zambia Wildlife Act as well as disciplinary measures under the Civil Service Conditions of Service.
“The Ministry of Tourism therefore urges all stakeholders and members of the public to allow due process to take its course without interference,” Banda said.
She assured that the Government remained fully committed to the protection and sustainable management of Zambia’s wildlife resources.
“The Ministry assures the nation that it has a zero-tolerance policy towards poaching and corruption in wildlife management. No individual, regardless of status, will be shielded from the law,” Banda warned.
Similary, the Director of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, Dominic Chiinda, reiterated the Department’s unwavering commitment to enforcing the law without fear or favour.
He cautioned that any attempts to obstruct the due process of the law would attract punitive measures as provided under Section 117(a) of the Zambia Wildlife Act, which states.
“A person who wilfully delays or obstructs an authorised officer in the carrying out of the officer’s duties under this Act commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding two hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years or both,” Chiinda said.
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