By Charity Kadetseka

As one way of reducing rising cases of wildlife poaching, Police in Chikwawa district have embarked on a sensitisation campaign on communities living near the protected areas on the dangers of the misconduct.

Speaking with YFM, Public Relations Officer for Chikwawa Police Station, Sergeant Dickson Matemba said they have advised the communities that all perpetuators will be given stiff penalties.

“We engage them on the penalties such as harsh custodial services that the court provide when a person is found guilty,” he said.

“We have registered 16 cases this year which has decreased compared to 2020 which registered 45 cases during the same period.

So far two people have been arrested after being found guilty of poaching.

Chikwawa district has Lengwe National Park and Majete Game Reserve which are protected areas.