Police in Mangochi have arrested a traditional healer and a kabaza operator for being found in possession of a live pangolin, a protected species under Malawi’s wildlife laws.
The suspects have been identified as Amin Ngosi, 62, and Moses George, 44, both from Kambulire Village, Traditional Authority Chimwala in Mangochi.
Mangochi Police Station Public Relations Officer, Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi, said the two were arrested on the evening of Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at Changali along the Arthur Peter Mutharika Highway. The arrest followed a tip-off from community members that they were in possession of a live pangolin and were on their way to Chilipa.
Acting on the information, Mangochi police detectives, in coordination with officials from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, rushed to the area and apprehended the suspects. They were found with the live pangolin hidden in a carton.
Daudi said that during interrogation, it was established that the first suspect had kept the pangolin at his compound for three days and intended to use its scales for traditional medicine. However, he later changed his mind and agreed with his friend, the kabaza operator, to transport the animal to Chilipa.
“According to statistics, from January 2026 to date, this is the first case of pangolin possession involving two suspects to have been registered, compared to two cases involving three suspects recorded during the same period last year,” she explained.
According to the publicist, police findings attribute the reduction in wildlife-related offences to increased community awareness, effective intelligence gathering, strong relationships with community members, stiffer penalties, and enhanced collaboration among the Police, Wildlife and Judiciary departments.
The duo will appear in court to answer a charge of illegal possession of specimens of listed species, contrary to Section 110(b) of the National Parks and Wildlife Act, once all documentation is completed.
Police in Mangochi have since warned the public against engaging in the illegal trade of wildlife and called for continued cooperation in protecting endangered species.
