Tanzanian Man Jailed for 20 Years Over Illegal Hyena Possession
A Tanzanian man has been sentenced to 20 years for illegally keeping a live hyena at home. Read about the case and its legal implications.
Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Illegal Possession of Hyena
March 12, 2025 – Bariadi, Simiyu
A court in Tanzania has sentenced a man to 20 years in prison and 12 strokes of the cane after he was found guilty of illegally possessing a live hyena.
Emmanuel John, a 31-year-old traditional healer and village chief from Kilulu in Bariadi District, Simiyu Region, was convicted by the Bariadi District Court after the prosecution presented compelling evidence against him.
Presiding over the case, Senior Resident Magistrate Caroline Kiliwa delivered the ruling, emphasizing that the sentence should serve as a deterrent to others who might attempt to keep wildlife illegally.
Illegal Wildlife Possession
The prosecution, led by State Prosecutor Lupiana Mahenge, informed the court that John was arrested on January 1, 2025, following a tip-off from concerned residents. Law enforcement officers raided his home in Kilulu and discovered a live hyena, which had been confined inside his residence in violation of wildlife conservation laws.
John was charged under Section 86 (1) and Section 86 (2)(C)(III) of the Wildlife Conservation Act (Cap. 283) as amended in 2022. Additionally, his offense was linked to Schedule One, Paragraph 14, as well as Sections 57 (1) and 60 (2) of the Economic and Organized Crime Control Act (Cap. 200), also amended in 2022.
The prosecution presented six witnesses who provided irrefutable evidence, leading to the guilty verdict.
Defense and Sentencing
During mitigation, John pleaded for leniency, citing his responsibility as the sole provider for his four children, including twins. However, Magistrate Kiliwa ruled that the severity of the offense warranted a strong punitive measure to discourage similar violations.
As a result, John was sentenced to 20 years in prison and ordered to receive 12 strokes of the cane.
This ruling underscores Tanzania’s firm stance on wildlife protection, reinforcing strict measures against those who engage in illegal wildlife activities.
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