The Public Prosecutor's Office and the Sangha Departmental Directorate of Water and Forests vs Tonga Yvon Richard, Mongambo Annicet

Country
Territorial subdivision
Seat of court
Ouesso
Court jurisdiction
Date of opinion
2018
Abstract

Tonga Yvon Richard was staying at Pokola and in possession with four ivory tusks that he acquired from indigenous people and wanted to sell them. He therefore contacted Mongambo Annicet and sent him XAF 10,000 (ten thousand) to transport the tusks from Pokola to Ouesso and get a compensation. To avoid rangers check points, Tonga Yvon Richard decided to pass through Sangha river with the help of Matoukou Théophile the owner of the boat who thought the boat was for Tonga’s brother. On February 26, 2018, Mongambo Annicet and Matoukou arrived Ouesso and were received by Tonga Yvon who brought them to hotel ”Les Jumelles” to meet the client and sell the ivory. They were then caught by the gendarmerie which arrived to the place, arrested them and brought them to the Ouesso territorial brigade.

Language of document
French
Reference number
No. 065/2018
Charges
Illicit circulation with ivory tusks.
Transnational
Yes
Decision
Tonga Yvon Richard and Mongambo Annicet were found guilty of illicit circulation with ivory tusks.
Appealed
No
Penalty
Tonga Yvon Richard and Mongambo Annicet were sentenced to twelve months imprisonment, XAF 300,000 (three hundred thousand) as fines and XAF 5,000,000 (five million) as damages and to pay court fees; The Imprisonment in default of payment was fixed to eight months for the recovery of fines and one month for court fees.
Legislation cited
Law No 37-2008 of 28 November 2008 on wildlife and protected areas