Suspected ivory smuggler claims innocence

Boniface Keakabetse | Thursday August 3, 2017 12:31

 

Ashilly’s trial resumed on Wednesday before principal magistrate, Taboka Mopipi.  He is facing a single count of unlawful possession of 32.2 kilogrammes of ivory valued at P48,811.98.  Ashilly together with his countryman, Muwena Bisapa (45) from Indeko compound in Lusaka were found in possession of six pieces of elephant tusks on August 2016 at Makalamabedi.

Ashilly pleaded not guilty while Bisapa pleaded guilty and was handed a five-year jail term by magistrate Mopipi. Following Bisapa’s conviction, the state now targets to seal another conviction for Ashilly by proving his partnership in the crime.

On Wednesday, Khani Khani of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions called detective constable, Sydney Boikanyo Ramosamo to the witness stand. Ramosamo testified that despite Bisapa having pleaded guilty and absolving Ashilly from ownership and knowledge of the tusks, Ashilly had knowledge of the tusks. Ramosamo said Ashilly, after being told to stop for a search at Makalamabedi, attempted to drive away and escape, but failed as there was a car blocking his passage ahead.

He said this proves that he had knowledge of the tusks. Ramosamo explained that upon the search, he found six pieces of elephant tusks on a hidden compartment of the Toyota Mark II driven by Ashilly.  When cross examining Ramosamo, Ashilly said he had no knowledge of the tusks or the hidden compartment and only learnt about them during the search. He said the car was not his, as he had borrowed it in Zambia.

As for Bisapa, Ashilly said he did not know him and he picked him up in Maun hitchhiking.  The case continues on Tuesday next week when Ashilly is expected to resume his defence. Ashilly told the court that he would give evidence under oath and call Bisapa who is incarcerated at Maun State Prison as his witness.