Seven Chinese nationals and two Malawians have been sentenced for trafficking Pangolins and ivory, as the wildlife crimes have been a growing concern for the tourism sector in Malawi.

According to the Chinese Embassy, some of the Chinese nationals are Southern Africa’s most prolific wildlife trafficking syndicates, as the embassy has committed to further support the Malawi Government’s efforts in fighting illegal poaching.

A statement by the embassy has outlined that the Chinese Government has adopted the toughest stance on wildlife crime and has strengthened cooperation with African countries on wildlife conservation by forming an effective mechanism to jointly fight poaching and illegal trade.

The consolidated efforts to combat the crimes will be much needed, especially because the Department of National Parks and Wildlife reported that wildlife crimes increased last year, from 600 cases in 2018 to 1000.

Meanwhile, the Director of Parks and Wildlife Brighton Kunchedwa confirmed that Vwaza Game Reserve and Nyika National Park are planned to close as the two are posting losses amidst declining tours attributed to the coronavirus pandemic.