WATCH THE VIDEO HERE The Lilongwe Magistrates Court has ordered four Zambian nationals to pay K50,000 each or serve a six-month prison sentence for transferring exotic species without a license, and K150,000 each or serve 12 months in prison for carrying out activities involving specimens and alien invasive species. The four — Patrick Phiri, Evans Nyirenda, Aremo Simanono, and Kennedy Muntanga — were arrested on 16 May 2025 along the Mchinji–Lilongwe road after being found with five bags of live crayfish weighing 250 kg, valued at over K3 million. They were facing three charges: Transferring exotic species without a license Carrying out activity involving specimens and alien invasive species Possession of uncleared goods The court discharged the third count, ruling that it could not be applied to illegal procurements. Regional Prosecutions Officer Saddrey Sambo expressed satisfaction with the ruling but emphasized the need to review the Aquatic and Fisheries Act, which dates back to 1997, to introduce stiffer penalties. Markson Ngochera, Deputy Director responsible for Capture Fisheries in the Department of Fisheries, testified as a state witness. He explained that crayfish pose a serious threat to local aquatic ecosystems as they feed on fish eggs, juvenile fish, and vegetation used by native species for breeding and shelter — thereby endangering Malawi’s native fish populations. According to a 2023 study by the Department of Fisheries, Malawi produces over 2,000 metric tonnes of Chambo annually, and the country could lose over K2.5 billion in revenue if invasive species like crayfish are introduced into local water bodies.
Four Zambians Fined, Face Jail for Smuggling Invasive Crayfish into Malawi
