Malawi Prison Service has dismissed as untrue claims circulating on social media suggesting that convicted wildlife trafficker Lin Yunhua was released from custody.
Speaking to #MBCDigital Malawi Prison Service spokesperson, Steve Meke, confirmed that Lin Yunhua, who is serving a 14-year sentence handed down in 2021, remains in prison.
“I would like to confirm that Lin is still in prison, and this is the truth regarding the matter.
“Let me also take this opportunity to urge all Malawians to refrain from publishing unverified stories. It is essential that they verify information with the relevant authorities in this case, the Malawi Prison Service,” said Meke.
He further emphasised that the pardon process in Malawi follows strict procedures.
“Each pardon application is thoroughly scrutinised by a designated committee comprising experts from various fields. The process is guided by clear rules and due process,” Meke added.
The rumour had also caught the attention of Civil Society Organisations. At a press conference in Lilongwe, environmental rights groups praised the government’s commitment to enforcing wildlife protection laws but urged continued vigilance.
Charles Mkoka, Executive Director of the Coordination Union for the Rehabilitation of the Environment (CURE), welcomed the government’s tough stance against wildlife crimes through the National Parks and Wildlife Act, which carries penalties of up to 30 years’ imprisonment with hard labour.
“This commitment forms the bedrock of our environmental governance and speaks to the heart of our Malawi 2063 vision,” Mkoka said.
While applauding progress, he had expressed concern over public speculation about Lin’s status.
“Wildlife crimes are not minor offences; they are transnational crimes that affect biodiversity and national development. If we treat such cases lightly, we risk undoing years of progress in conservation,” Mkoka warned.
The coalition of environmental organisations including the National Youth Network on Climate Change, Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy, Movement for Environmental Action, Youth and Society, and the Association of Environmental Journalists called for greater transparency in justice processes related to environmental crimes.
They commended the government’s use of the Access to Information Act and reaffirmed their support for national conservation efforts.
“We remain committed to advocacy and accountability, to ensure Malawi maintains its leadership in environmental protection. We have the big five in our national parks that augurs well with the ATM Strategy hence need to guard the gains made ,” the CSOs emphasised.
#MBCDIgital
#Manthu
