The Public Prosecutor's Office and the Sangha Departmental Directorate of Water and Forests vs Mbonzole Léon, Lomo André, Mbondo Jules, Moutengo Jacques, Mekounou Pascal, Mabele Fiston

Country
Congo
Territorial subdivision
Sangha
Court
High Court of Ouesso
Type of court
National - higher court
Seat of court
Ouesso
Court jurisdiction
Criminal
Date of opinion
2015
Abstract

In January 2015, while they were in the forest to go about their business, they found a rotting elephant on the way. After having removed the tusks, they took a vehicle to Pokola, on their way they were arrested at Ndoki II check point by ecoguards.

Language of document
French
Reference number
No. 035/2015
Charges
Possession of and circulation with ivory tusks.
Species
African elephant
Transnational
Yes
Decision
Mbonzole Léon, Lomo André, Mbondo Jules, Moutengo Jacques, Mekounou Pascal, Mabele Fiston were found guilty of the charges against them.
Appealed
No
Penalty
The accused were sentenced to 18 months imprisonment suspended and a fine of XAF 200,000 (two hundred thousand) each; The accused were sentenced to jointly pay the sum of XAF 900,000 (nine hundred thousand) as civil damages; The accused was ordered to pay the costs; The duration of the imprisonment in default of payment was set to the minimum.
Legislation cited
Law No. 37-2008 of 28 November 2008 on wildlife and protected areas