Mangochi Police Seize Seven Ivory Pieces, Arrest Two Suspects at Township Lodge

By Burnett Munthali MANGOCHI- Police in Mangochi have arrested two men after allegedly finding them in possession of seven pieces of elephant ivory at a lodge in Mangochi Township on the evening of September 6, 2026. Mangochi Police spokesperson Amina Daudi identified the suspects as Obvious Kakuni, 45, of Kasungu, and Geoffrey Chikoya, 56, of Balaka. According to Daudi, detectives launched the operation after receiving a tip-off from community members that the two men were allegedly attempting to sell elephant ivory. Police officers reportedly found seven pieces of ivory concealed in a black plastic bag and hidden inside a sack at the lodge. The suspects are expected to appear in court to face a charge of illegal possession of specimens of listed species without a licence, an offence contrary to Section 110(b) of the National Parks and Wildlife Act. The arrests highlight ongoing efforts by law enforcement authorities to combat the illegal possession and trade of protected wildlife products in Malawi.