By MAIMBO MWEEMBA
Lastone Zimba, a Wildlife criminal who received a Presidential pardon in May 2020 has been sentenced to nine years imprisonment with hard labour after committing various wildlife crimes, barely a year after his pardon.
Mr Zimba, aged 56, was charged with four counts of unlawful hunting in East Musalangu Game Management Area and unlawful, and in possession of Warthog meat weighing 18 kilograms, considered to be Government trophy
Mr Zimba was also charged for unlawful possession of a Firearm and Ammunition, contrary to the Zambia Wildlife Act Number 15 of 2014.
Ministry of Tourism Spokesperson Sakabilo Kalembwe said when the matter came up for sentencing; the Chinsali Subordinate Court sentenced Zimba consecutively.
Mr Kalembwe added that in passing the sentence, the Court observed that people who live in and around Game Management Areas have a responsibility to protect and safeguard wildlife and not poach it.
“In May 2019, Mr Zimba was sentenced to 7 years imprisonment for illegal possession of elephant ivory and unlawful wounding of an officer from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife but was pardoned and released on May, 30, 2020,” he said.
Mr Kalembwe said Government, through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife will ensure that anyone harming Zambia’s wildlife faces stiff punishment.
This is according to a statement issued to the media by ministry of tourism spokesperson Sakabilo Kalembwe.
