E105/24_JKIA - Republic vs. Silas Maweu - 84.9 kg
Operation Manta: Kenya Wildlife Task Force Seizes Nearly 85 Kilos of Ivory in High-Risk Operation – Focused Conservation
In a decisive and high-stakes operation, the Kenya Wildlife Task Force (KWTF) successfully carried out Operation Manta on August 18, 2024. The operation, which took place in the early hours at Mtito Andei in Kibwezi Sub-County, Makueni County, led to the seizure of 84.9 kilograms of ivory and the arrest of one individual. Four additional suspects managed to flee the scene but have been identified, and efforts are underway to bring them to justice.
The ivory, consisting of six freshly cut tusks, was discovered concealed in four sacks. The operation was the result of a major investigation into the trafficking of elephant ivory, spearheaded by a multi-agency team comprising detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Serious Crime Unit and officers from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
During the arrest, one of the suspects resisted and attempted to seize an officer’s weapon, leading to a brief but intense scuffle. The situation escalated to the point where warning shots were fired, but fortunately, no one was injured in the confrontation.
The operation took place on school premises, and while one suspect was apprehended, four others managed to escape. However, these individuals have been identified, and a manhunt is currently underway to locate and apprehend them.
The successful seizure of nearly 85 kilos of ivory highlights the continued efforts of the KWTF and its partners in combating the illegal ivory trade in Kenya. The identification of the four fleeing suspects marks a significant step forward in dismantling the trafficking network responsible for this illegal activity. Authorities are confident that the remaining suspects will be brought to justice in the near future.
Operation Manta stands as a testament to the bravery and dedication of the officers involved, who risked their lives to protect Kenya’s wildlife. The operation underscores the urgent need for continued vigilance and collaboration in the fight against wildlife trafficking, ensuring that those who exploit and harm Kenya’s natural heritage are held accountable.
Police arrest suspect, seize 84kg of ivory during raid
by Ascah Mwango
Law enforcement officers have apprehended a suspect and recovered stolen wildlife trophies in Kibwezi Sub-County as the war on wildlife trafficking intensifies.
The operation was carried out by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Serious Crime Unit in collaboration with officers from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
The raid, which took place in the Kambu area, led to the arrest of 57-year-old Sila Maweu, who was found in possession of ivory weighing approximately 84 kilograms. Maweu’s three accomplices managed to escape during the operation, leaving behind the wildlife trophies as they fled from the scene.
“A multi-agency team comprising of DCI Serious Crime Unit detectives and officers from the Kenya Wildlife Service have registered a breakthrough in the fight against the sale of wildlife trophies following the arrest of an individual at Kambu area in Kibwezi sub-county and recovery of ivory weighing approximately 84 kilograms,” the statement read.
Maweu has since been arraigned before the JKIA Law Court, where he pleaded guilty to two counts of dealing in wildlife trophies of endangered species, among other charges. The court has set the matter for mention on August 26, 2024.
As the search for the escaped suspects continues, the DCI has vowed to exhaust all available resources to ensure their capture and prosecution.
Adding;
“As the search for the escaped individuals continues, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations will not spare any resources till all are arrested and arraigned.”
