By: Allan Mphatso Nkopeka
Tucked away in the rolling highlands and lush plains of Rumphi District, Nyika National Park and Vwaza Game Reserve stand as two of Malawi’s most treasured wildlife sanctuaries. These protected areas boast a remarkable diversity of fauna, from the majestic buffalo to the graceful reedbuck and hardy warthog. Yet, beneath the tranquillity of these landscapes lies a sobering reality, the persistent threat of poaching.
Despite significant efforts by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, poaching continues to cast a shadow over conservation achievements. Game rangers stationed at strategic patrol camps in Chilinda, Milang’ombe, Malidadi, and Kazuni, carry out rigorous surveillance operations. Nevertheless, these camps frequently report illegal hunting activities, often targeting endangered and protected species.
To strengthen anti-poaching operations, the Malawi Police Service, through its Prosecution and Investigation Department, equips rangers with advanced tracking and apprehension techniques. This strategic support has translated into a marked increase in arrests and prosecutions. Notably, the Rumphi Magistrate Court has been instrumental in ensuring that justice is not only served but also felt as a deterrent.
On average, poachers found guilty of wildlife crimes face stringent penalties typically 76 months’ imprisonment with hard labour. These sentences reflect the judiciary’s commitment to enforcing the National Parks and Wildlife Act and protecting the country’s natural heritage.
The Rumphi Magistrate Court goes a step further by conducting specialised camp courts within or near the reserves. These courts underscore the ecological and legal gravity of wildlife crimes, with judges often warning of the potential extinction of Malawi’s iconic species if current trends continue. The verdicts issued in these courts have not only been severe but have also stood up to scrutiny at higher judicial levels.
In the landmark case of Republic vs Bernard Mkandawire (Confirmation Case No. 331 of 2023), the defendant was convicted of killing a buffalo, an endangered species and sentenced to 96 months’ imprisonment. The High Court later confirmed the conviction and sentence. Similarly, in Republic vs James Msiska (Confirmation Case No. 330 of 2023), the accused received a 72-month sentence for killing a reedbuck, another protected animal. Again, the High Court upheld the decision, setting a legal precedent for future wildlife-related cases.
These victories, while commendable, highlight the uphill battle authorities continue to face. The poaching crisis in Nyika and Vwaza underscores the need for a united front, one that combines the resolve of game rangers, the expertise of police investigators, and the authority of the judiciary.
Protecting Malawi’s wildlife is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative. The coordinated efforts seen in Rumphi District provide a beacon of hope and a model for conservation enforcement. But the fight is far from over. It will take continued collaboration, community engagement, and unwavering commitment to ensure that future generations inherit a land teeming with the wonders of the wild.