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.

The accused persons Bandou Tangui Bertrand and Beka Octave Timolian were arrested flagrante delicto in the locality of Bazou by elements of the Nde divisional delegation of forestry and wildlife. They were found in possession of a three years old chimpanzee which they were about to sell.

The accused persons DIPAMBA JEAN and NDINTEH Georges were arrested flagrante delicto in the TONGA market in possession of trophies of class A totally protected animal species notably 01 Mandrill skull, 01 Elephant jawbone and thighbone.

The accused MABOU Benjamin was arrested in Baham in possession of two large leopard's skins, a totally protected animal species.

The accused KAMWA TADIE Augustine was arrested in Bandjoun by elements of the regional delegation of Forestry and Wildlife. He was found in possession of 01 Leopard skin in his plastic bag. During interrogation, he admitted the facts but named the co-offender, KUATE JOSEPH as the owner of the trophies.