Police in Machinga have arrested a 31 year-old man for killing an elephant at Liwonde National Park in the district.
Machinga police spokesperson Davie Sulumba identified the suspect as Elifa Makhwele from Liwonde village.
“It is true that we are keeping in custody Elifa Makhwele aged 31 for killing a male elephant at Liwonde National Park” he said.
According to Sulumba, Makhwele together with his two friends who are at large went to the protected area and killed the elephant.
Park workers did not manage to catch the poachers but they recognised the suspect and reported the matter to police.
The law enforcers then raided Makhwele’s home at 3am on Friday and they arrested him. The police however are still hunting for Makhwele’s friends.
Elifa Makhwele who comes from Imani village in the area of Traditional Authority Liwonde in Machinga will appear in court to answer charges of poaching and illegally entering a protected area.