On the 1st August 2011, the Chief of the Border Post of the National Security of Djoum received reliable information that a Mercedes truck matriculated CE 027-CL contains wildlife products specifically elephant ivories. A control team was set up and the said truck was seized and taken to the unit for a detailed search. Two elephant ivories weighing 16kg, 01 Leopard skin and a gun of mark MIG N°077 were found. The accused Vos Christopher, driver of the said truck, pleaded guilty and admitted he had been commissioned to deliver the Leopard skin to a certain man called “Gabonese” in Sangmelima for the sum of 15.000 XAF. The co-offender Chingo Zachary pleaded not guilty and claimed to surprisingly discover wildlife products in his car. At the close of interrogations, they were transmitted before the State Attorney, together with the seized items as exhibits for prosecution.
Country
Territorial subdivision
Court
Type of court
Seat of court
Djoum
Court jurisdiction
Date of opinion
2011
Abstract
Language of document
French
Reference number
No. 129/COR
Charges
Illegal detention of trophies of totally protected animal species, illegal detention of an arm, and complicity.
Species
Transnational
No
Decision
The accused, Chingo Zacharie was declared not guilty. Vos Christopher was declared guilty of illegal detention of trophies of totally protected species and illegal detention of an arm. Chingo Zacharie was discharged and acquitted. Vos Christopher was sentenced to pay 40.000 XAF for fines, 28.150 XAF for costs and 835.000 XAF as civil damages to the state of Cameroon through the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife.
Appealed
No
Penalty
Chingo Zacharie was discharged and acquitted. Vos Christopher was sentenced to pay 40.000 XAF for fines, 28.150 XAF for costs and 835.000 XAF as civil damages to the state of Cameroon through the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife.
Legislation cited
Law No 94-01 of 20th January 1994 to lay down forestry, fisheries and wildlife regulations, secs. 98, 155(8)