Lenza Frédéric known as ”Wengue”, and three others known as ”Elephant”, ”Arabe” and ”Macaire” are Congolese DRC individuals resident in Pokola. In Novembre 2016, they consulted each other to carry out a big hunting expedition. ”Elephant” would be the hunter and the rest of the team the carriers. While in the forest and in possession of a PMK war weapon and ammunition belonging to ”Elephant”, they killed two elephants. They removed the tusks that they transported to Pokola for sale. When they arrived at Pokola, they decided to look for customers and meet again. When they gathered again they were caught by rangers, Lenza Frédéric was arrested while the rest of team managed to escape. Lenza Frédéric was brought before the state prosecutor for complicity of killing of elephants, illicit circulation with ivory and illegal possession of war weapon and ammunition.
The Public Prosecutor's Office and the Sangha Departmental Directorate of Water and Forests vs Lenza Frédéric
Country
Territorial subdivision
Court
Type of court
Seat of court
Ouesso
Court jurisdiction
Date of opinion
2016
Abstract
Language of document
French
Reference number
No. 263/2016
Charges
Complicity of killing of totally protected species (elephants), complicity of illegal possession of a war weapon and ammunition, complicity of illicit circulation with ivory tusks.
Species
Transnational
Yes
Decision
Lenza Frédéric was found guilty of complicity of killing of totally protected species (elephants), complicity of illegal possession of a war weapon and ammunition, complicity of illicit circulation with ivory tusks
Appealed
No
Penalty
Lenza Frédéric was sentenced to three years imprisonment and XAF 100,000 (one hundred thousand) as fines and to pay XAF 500,000 (five hundred thousand) as damages; The Imprisonment in default of payment was fixed at its minimum.
Legislation cited
Law No 37-2008 of 28 November 2008 on wildlife and protected areas
Ordonnance N°62/24 du 16 Octobre 1962 fixant le régime des matériels de guerre, des armes et munitions