By JAMES KUNDA-
THE Mpika magistrate’s court has convicted and jailed four people for illegal timber possession.
Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) spokesperson Irene Chipili said the four were charged for disturbance and unlawful possession of biological resources.
Facts before the court were that the offence was committed between May 26 and 31, 2014 in Mpika District of Muchinga Province.
“Before senior resident magistrate Sonkolo were Arnold Zimba, Stevia Mfula, Lawrence Mwila and Morgan Chewe.
“The four pleaded guilty to the offence and were on June 19, 2014 sentenced to two years imprisonment with hard labour each. In addition to the sentence, the truck used to transport the timber products has been forfeited to the State,” Ms Chipili said in a statement yesterday.
In the same court, Webster Mwachunga and Ken Fundankwa pleaded not guilty to charges of trading and unlawful possession in any component of biological resources.
Ms Chipili said trial for the case would commence on July 7, 2014 in Mpika.
“ZEMA expresses its concern over the increase in illegal timber harvesting and trading in the country. In order to safeguard the environment, the general public is advised to report all cases of suspected illegal timber trading or possession to relevant agencies among them, Zambia Police Service, Forestry Department and ZEMA,” she said.
