Namibian Special Forces Corporal Jailed for Ivory Trafficking in Zambia
By TUW
A Namibian Special Forces corporal has been sentenced to five years’ imprisonment in Zambia following his conviction for illegal possession and attempted sale of elephant tusks.
Corporal Mowa James Mukela (37), employed by Namibia’s Ministry of Safety and Security (Veterans’ Affairs), was arrested in Mwandi after allegedly attempting to sell 37.3 kilograms of ivory to undercover wildlife officers. Authorities said the tusks were being offered at K3,000 per kilogram — an estimated total value of K111,900 (approximately N$93,400).
Zambian prosecutors charged Mukela under Section 130 of the Zambia Wildlife Act for possessing wildlife products. He was convicted and handed a five-year custodial sentence just four days after his arrest.
According to information presented in court, Mukela had travelled to Mwandi on 30 January 2026 while on 16 days’ sick leave. He reportedly told investigators he was in the area to assist with the construction of a tombstone for a relative by marriage.
Further investigations revealed that Mukela had previously been arrested in Namibia in 2021 on allegations of transporting and possessing 10 elephant tusks weighing 15 kilograms. He is currently out on N$5,000 bail in that matter alongside four co-accused. The vehicle linked to the Namibian case remains impounded at Tsumeb Police Station.
The Zambian conviction adds to growing regional efforts to combat wildlife trafficking, a crime authorities say continues to threaten elephant populations across southern Africa.
