Police in Mangochi have arrested two men after they were allegedly found in possession of seven pieces of elephant ivory at a lodge within Mangochi Township.
The suspects have been identified as 45-year-old Obvious Kakuni and 56-year-old Geoffrey Chikoya. They were arrested on the evening of September 6, 2026, following a tip-off from members of the community.
Mangochi Police Public Relations Officer Amina Tepani Daudi told Malawi24 that police received information that the two men were offering pieces of ivory for sale while staying at the lodge.
Acting on the information, a team of detectives rushed to the lodge and apprehended the suspects after finding seven pieces of elephant ivory concealed in a black plastic bag inside a sack. The suspects reportedly failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for their possession of the ivory.
The two are expected to appear before court to answer a charge of illegal possession of specimens of listed species without a licence, contrary to Section 110(b) of the National Parks and Wildlife Act.
Police have commended members of the public for their continued support in the fight against wildlife crime. Kakuni hails from Mgandawira Village under Traditional Authority Mdunga in Kasungu District, while Chikoya is from Kachenga Village under Traditional Authority Kalembo in Balaka District.
