Five Men, Including Two Congolese Nationals, Granted K60,000 Bail in Ivory Possession Case

Five individuals, among them two Congolese nationals, have been granted bail by the Lusaka Magistrates Court after being charged with illegal possession of elephant ivory.

The group, which includes Luhale Alumba aged 56,  a businessman based in Lusaka; Osemo Wembo Luhale aged 27, a student; Allan Ngwangwa aged 47,  Peter Mukanga aged 38; and Watson Zyoya, is accused of unlawful possession of 69 pieces of ivory weighing over 528 kilograms.

The ivory was allegedly held without the necessary authorization from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife.

Appearing before Resident Magistrate Kawama Mwamfuli, all five pleaded not guilty to the charge of possessing a prescribed trophy without the appropriate permits. The offense is alleged to have taken place in Lusaka between April 12 and 13, 2025.

During the bail hearing, defense lawyer Osbourne Ngoma argued that the accused posed no flight risk and were entitled to bail under Zambian law, despite some being foreign nationals.

The prosecution had raised concerns over the possibility of the suspects, particularly the Congolese, fleeing before trial.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Magistrate Mwamfuli granted bail set at K60,000 per accused, with strict conditions. Each suspect is required to provide two traceable sureties residing in Lusaka.

Additionally, the first accused must surrender his passport, while the others are to present their National Registration Cards to the court.

The accused will remain in custody until all bail conditions are fulfilled.

The matter has been adjourned to May 19, 2025, when trial proceedings are expected to begin.