By Burnett Munthali

Police officers in Mzimba District have arrested a driver, Pilirani Gilbert, after he was found in possession of meat from a bushbuck, a protected antelope species, which he allegedly killed by striking it in the Chikangawa Forest.

Jenda Police spokesperson Macfarlane Mseteka reported that Gilbert was apprehended at a roadblock in Jenda while traveling to Lilongwe. The bushbuck meat had been wrapped in a plastic bag in an attempt to conceal it from authorities.

Mseteka stated that Gilbert intended to consume the meat, despite lacking a permit to hunt or transport protected wildlife. The bushbuck is classified among Malawi’s protected animals, and any unauthorized hunting or possession is a punishable offense.

Gilbert, a resident of Nthundu Village under Traditional Authority Kasakula in Ntchisi District, now faces legal consequences for his actions as authorities continue to emphasize the importance of protecting wildlife and enforcing conservation laws.