WILDLEX

The appellants were jointly arraigned in the District Court of Nachingwea at Nachingwea on a charge of unlawful possession of government trophies. Both were convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for twenty (20) years. Aggrieved with the decision, they both preferred appeals to the High Court of Tanzania at Mtwara.

The appellants were arrested following information that they were in possession of buffalo meat. The appellants disputed any knowledge about the meat affirming they had no license for hunting. They were found in the house where the meat was because they took rest for the night.

The appellant one Mauridi Ganame was on 17/04/1997 convicted by Lindi District Court on a charge of unlawful possession of government trophies. He was subsequently sentenced to twenty five (25) years imprisonment. While the court sentenced the appellant was not in court.

The appellant Ausi Hassani Nampali was on 24th October, 2001 convicted by the Lindi District Court on two counts of unlawful possession of government trophy contrary to section 67(1) and (c) (d) (iii) and (2A) of the Wildlife Conservation Act No. 12 of 1974 as amended by Act No.

The appellant was found in possession of a weighing scale while drying meat identified by the witnesses using their experience to be that of a zebra. There was no skin or head to support such claim.

The appellant Ahmad Mshamu was on 13/06/2002 convicted by Newala District Court on a charge of four counts. Among them, two were on unlawful possession of fire arms and other two counts were on unlawful possession of government trophies contrary to the law. He appealed the decision.

From July to August 2017, Jianhuo C. hired Jianfa C to process and polish a batch of ivory beads at a price of 0.5 yuan each; from July to August 2018, Jianhuo C. handed over two bags of ivory beads to Jianfa C. for processing and polishing. After identification, the net weight of ivory products was 0.733kg, valued at 21541 yuan.

From May to June 2018, Meifang W. illegally purchased wild herons (dead bodies) from Sun (separate case) for prices ranging from 20 yuan to 35 yuan, and the birds were used in restaurants to process into dishes for customers. Meifang W. paid a total of 4,485 yuan for the purchase of wild birds to Sun. Meifang W.

On December 2, 2013, Min G., Zhiqiang X. and Linzheng G. sold a rhino horn product to Meiyang L.. After identification, the rhino horn had a net weight of 4.942 kg and a value of RMB 1.231 million. On December 17, 2018, the Xianyou County Public Security Bureau seized 16 suspected ivory beads at Min G.'s rental house.

From April to July 2018, Qiuhe P. illegally purchased wild heron birds at a price ranging from 27 yuan to 45 yuan from Sun (sentenced) and others, and the birds were used in restaurants to process into dishes for customers. Qiuhe P. paid 5,309 yuan for the purchase of wild birds (dead bodies) to Sun through Wechat transfer. Qiuhe P.