Two Chinese nationals in court over 75 pangolin scales

Seventy-five pangolin scales have landed two Chinese nationals in court after they were allegedly found in possession of trophies of a protected animal without lawful authority.

Liu Rui, 31, and Wu Young’an, 45, appeared before the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to a charge of illegal possession of a trophy of a protected animal, contrary to Section 130(1) of the Zambia Wildlife Act.

The two, who are said to reside around Zambezi Road Corner and Rhodes Park, respectively, allegedly jointly possessed the 75 pangolin scales in Lusaka on September 21, 2026.

Both accused denied the charge when it was read to them, resulting in pleas of not guilty being recorded by Magistrate Mwandu Nakazwe.

Their lawyer subsequently applied for bail pending trial under Section 123 of the Criminal Procedure Code, arguing that the offence was bailable and that the two had fixed places of abode.

The defence acknowledged that the accused were foreign nationals but told the court that their passports had already been seized and were in State custody.

The court heard that the two were prepared to provide suitable sureties and would attend court whenever required.

The lawyer further argued that the State would suffer no prejudice if bail was granted, adding that the accused had already spent nine days in custody.

But State prosecutor Beatrice Chola urged the court to exercise caution.

Chola argued that being charged with a bailable offence did not automatically mean that an accused person should be released on bail.

She expressed concern over the possibility of the two foreign nationals becoming flight risks, arguing that they had not demonstrated that they had established businesses or sufficient ties in Zambia.

The State therefore asked the court to impose strict conditions should it decide to grant bail.

The court adjourned the matter to Monday for a ruling on the bail application.

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