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The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested and charged a 25-year-old Lusaka taxi driver for allegedly offering a K5,000 bribe to wildlife officers to secure the release of 56 exotic birds valued at up to K210,000.
The suspect has been identified as Bobby Chinyama of Balastone, Jamaica area in Lusaka.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday, ACC Head of Corporate Communications, Joseph Mwenya, said Chinyama had been charged with one count of corrupt practices, contrary to Section 19(2) of the Anti-Corruption Act, Chapter 91 of the Laws of Zambia.
Mwenya said the alleged offence occurred between September 1 and September 30, 2026, when Chinyama allegedly offered and gave K5,000 in gratification to officers from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) in Nakonde.
“It is alleged that Chinyama offered and actually sent the K5,000 via mobile money to a named individual to give to DNPW officers for the release of the protected birds, which had been intercepted at Nakonde Bus Station,” he said.
Mwenya said the birds were being transported to Lusaka and that the suspect had no authority to import or possess them.
He said Vulturine Guinea Fowls, which are native to northeastern Africa, are protected under Zambian law and cannot be possessed or transported without a valid permit.
“On the black market, the birds are estimated to cost K3,000 each, placing the estimated black market value of the 56 intercepted birds at between K168,000 and K210,000,” Mwenya said.
He said the exotic birds were reportedly sought after by affluent individuals who purchased them for private ownership, either as pets or for display in their residential yards.
Mwenya said the growing demand for protected wildlife for private possession raised concerns about illegal wildlife trade and the potential involvement of corruption in facilitating such activities.
Chinyama has since been released on bond pending court appearance.
“Corruption in the wildlife sector not only undermines efforts to protect Zambia’s natural heritage but also robs future generations of their rightful inheritance,” Mwenya said.
He urged members of the public to refrain from offering bribes or any form of gratification to public officers in exchange for favours or the improper performance of their duties.
Mwenya said such conduct was unlawful, undermined the enforcement of wildlife protection laws and threatened the preservation of the country’s wildlife resources.
He also encouraged members of the public to report suspected acts of corruption through the ACC’s countrywide offices or its toll-free line, 5980.
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