WILDLEX

On diverse dates between 13th January, 2013 and 25th January, 2015 at Ruaha National Park, Kinyasuga village within Mbarali District in Mbeya Region, accused persons jointly were found in unlawful acquired, accepted and transported government trophies.

The appellant was stood charged with the offence of unlawful possession of government trophy c/s 170 (1) and (2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act. No. 12 of 1974 read together with para 15 of the 1st Schedule and section 59 (2) of the Economic and Organized Crimes Act No. 13 of 1992 of 1984 as amended by Act No. 3 of 1992.

The appellant stood charged with the offence of unlawful possession of government trophy c/s 59 (2) of the Economic and Organized Crimes Control Act, Cap 200 R.E 2002 and section 67 (1) & 2 (b) of the Wildlife Conservation Act [Cap 283 R.E 2002].

The appellants were alleged to have been found in the Tarangire National Park in unlawful possession of three swala pala meat valued at Tshs 1,813,500/-, three did-dik meat valued at Tshs 1,162,500/- and three reedbuck meat valued at Tshs 2,092,500/- all valued at Tsh 5,068,500/- the property of Tanzania Government.

On 6th November, 2015 at Kasumulu area within Kyela District in Mbeya Region, the accused persons were jointly and together, internationally organized a criminal racket by exporting, to the United Republic of Tanzania, government trophies. They were later on arraigned before the Court of Resident Magistrate for Mbeya at Mbeya.

On 24.11.2000, the Anti-Poaching Unit while in routine patrol heard a gun sound and responded immediately. Upon arriving at the crime scene, the Unit found the accused persons removing zebra skin they have killed using a riffle after shooting 22 rounds of ammunition. The accused persons were arrested.

The appellant was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. The conviction and sentence were sustained by the High Court. He was aggrieved and filed a notice of appeal against the conviction and sentence on 28/05/2013. The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal.

Sometimes on 02nd December, 2015 at Gua village within Chunya District in Mbeya region accused person was arraigned and found in unlawful possession of government trophy. Also was in unlawful possession of muzzle loading gun. Then brought before the court to answer a charge. The accused was convicted.

The accused persons were arrested at Kasumulu while crossing the border from Malawi to Tanzania. During their arrest they were found with unlawful possession of government trophy namely two rhino horns contrary to the penal laws of Tanzania. Thereafter were prosecuted before Kyela District Court.

Sometime on 25th March, 2015 at Gua village within Chunya District in Mbeya region was found in unlawful possession of the government trophies. Also was found in unlawful possession of firearms. Then brought before the court to answer the charge. The accused was convited.