19/08/2025
On 10th July, 2025, the National Parole Board delegation led by the Chairperson, Mr. Lloyd H. Chilundika paid a courtesy call on the Director โ Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) Mr. Dominic L. Chiinda. The Chairperson was accompanied by Board Members Rev. Fr. Justin Matepa, Ms. Bwalya Sh*tumbanuma proxy for Dr. Kalangwa Kalangwa, Mr. Morris Moono, and Dr. Martha Sitali. The Board Secretary, Senior Superintendent Clive K. Njamba, attended alongside Assistant Superintendent Gladys Sumbulelo, Assistant Superintendent Hope Zulu, Inspector Pristine Chilambe, Wardress Bertha Phiri, and Warder Pethias Sikapwila from the Secretariat.
The purpose of the visit, among others, was to introduce the National Parole Board, and explore areas of mutual collaboration with the Department with regard to parolees convicted for wildlife-related offences.
During the engagement it was noted that parolees convicted for wildlife offences return to areas near National Parks and Game Management zones, raising concerns about potential recidivism hence requiring a well-structured reintegration plan to avoid recidivism.
The Board and the Department agreed on the importance of developing educational programs that teach parolees about local wildlife, conservation laws, and environmental stewardship. Such programs could help foster a sense of personal responsibility and respect for nature, which may in turn contribute to reducing recidivism among parolees with a history of wildlife-related offences.
They also discussed the potential of promoting taxidermy as an alternative and legal livelihood for parolees previously engaged in illegal wildlife activities. It was also noted that, with appropriate regulation and skills training, taxidermy could provide economic empowerment while preserving specimens for education, scientific, and conservation purposes.
Both parties agreed that introducing such alternatives may support sustainable reintegration and reduce the incentive for reoffending.
