Livingstonia Synod of Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) pastor for Wenya Congregation in Chitipa Reverend Brown Khonje together with his brother Nabioti have been arrested after being found with ivory.
Chitipa Police Public Relations Officer, Gladwell Simwaka, said the suspects told the police that they got the ivory from Nyika National Parkand were arrested on their way to Karonga.
Simwaka said the suspects were taken to court yesterday afternoon.
He said the pastor, who was wearing a clerical collar shirt was driving a Nissan vehicle registration number MHG 4482, and the police found the two pieces of ivory weighing 21 kilograms after searching following a tip off.
“In fact on Wednesday our officers received a tip from well-wishers that, there is a certain motor vehicle coming from Nthalire heading to Karonga via Kapoka carrying ivory. Upon arrival at Namuchesi primary school, the team intercepted the vehicle and found the two suspects hiding two pieces of ivory,” Simwaka said.
Livingstonia Synod moderator, Reverend Douglas Chipofya, said his office has not received the matter formally.
“It is sad to hear that, but unfortunately I have not received formation communication on the matter. Once, we get information, they synod will take action,” Chipofya said.
The two have been charged with possession of specimen of ivory species contrary to Section 86 of National Parks and Wildlife.
Reverend Brown Khonje, 48, and Nabioti, 51, hail from Chimalawanthu Village, in Traditional Authority Mwankhunikira in Rumphi District.