On the 29 March 2007, the accused persons NEMBOT KAMDEM Thomas, KAMDEM Barnabe and TELLA Jean Pierre were arrested flagrante delicto by forces of law and order in possession of three (03) Leopard skins. During interrogation, they all pleaded not guilty and denied having captured or killed leopards. The accused TALLA Jean Pierre acknowledged that he received the skins as an inheritance and solicited the other two accused persons, NEMBOT KAMDEM Thomas and KAMDEM Barnabe to assist in selling these skins. They both attested to this fact. At the end of interrogations, they were transmitted before the State Attorney together with the seized items for prosecution. While in court, the charge against the accused persons NEMBOT KAMDEM Thomas and KAMDEM Barnabe was requalified to complicity to the capture and killing of protected animal species and they were prosecuted accordingly.
The State Attorney and the Ministry of Forestry and NEMBOT KAMDEM Thomas, KAMDEM Barnabe and TELLA Jean Pierre
Country
Territorial subdivision
Court
Type of court
Seat of court
Bafoussam
Court jurisdiction
Date of opinion
2007
Abstract
Language of document
French
Charges
Illegal capture and killing of protected animal species,
Species
Transnational
No
Decision
The accused TALLA Jean Pierre was found guilty of the illegal capture and killing of protected animal species , while NEMBOT KAMDEM Thomas and KAMDEM Barnabe were found guilty of complicity.
Appealed
No
Penalty
They were all sentenced to six (6) months’ suspended imprisonment term within three years, to pay 15,000 XAF each for fine, 35,150 XAF for costs and 150,000 XAF for civil damages to the State of Cameroon through the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife.
Legislation cited
Law No. 94/01 of 20 January 1994 to lay down forestry, wildlife and fisheries regulations