Lusaka court sets May 4 for trial of six men accused of possessing elephant ivory worth K2.64 million

The Lusaka Magistrates’ Court has set May 4, 2026, as the date trial will begin for six men accused of unlawful possession of 94 pieces of elephant ivory valued at K2.64 million.

The accused — Gift Miyanda, Mugundumu Miyanda, Mark Mukanya, Babou Awazi Selemani, Malikiso Inambaoand Webster Muzyamba — have all pleaded not guilty to a charge of unlawful possession of wildlife trophies, contrary to Section 130(2)(a) of the Zambia Wildlife Act.

Read more: Six suspects appear in Lusaka Magistrates’ court over alleged possession of elephant ivories worth K2.64 million

When the case came up on Monday, Magistrate Peter Mungala informed the court he was unable to deliver a ruling on the bail application, saying he had only received the record that morning.

The court adjourned the matter to April 16 for the bail ruling.

According to details before court, the six were arrested following a March 9, 2026 operation by officers from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), acting on intelligence.

Officers searched a property in Chandamali compound, Lilayi, where they discovered seven wrapped boxes and two black polythene bags containing 94 pieces of elephant ivory weighing 471.8kg.

Two suspects were arrested on the scene, with further investigations leading to four additional arrests.

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