Traffickers Receive Light Sentences, One Acquitted, Cubs to Return Home

Updated Court Judgment – High Court of Lubumbashi, DRC

LionExpose reports, based on information provided by Conserv Congo:

“The lion cubs have gained weight, going from approximately 9 kg to 45 kg each, and are being monitored by ICCN,” said Dr. Cassinga.

The three surviving cubs have been housed at Lubumbashi Zoo. They are in large enclosures open to the public. Unfortunately, one cub did not survive the journey. It reportedly choked on milk while being fed, although the exact cause of death has not been formally confirmed.

Genetic testing, carried out by Dr. Binemo, a veterinarian at Lubumbashi Zoo, confirmed that the cubs had distinctive traits of captive-bred lions. They were not typical of wild lions, confirming their South African origin.

The repatriation of the surviving cubs depended on the final court decision. The ruling has now been delivered. The High Court of Lubumbashi has ordered that the three white lion cubs be confiscated and repatriated to South Africa, their country of origin. The court formally entrusted the cubs to the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN). This organization is now responsible for coordinating their return to a South African sanctuary.

The judgment was issued at a public hearing held at Kassapa Central Prison. It was later formally pronounced by a judicial panel. After reviewing the evidence, the court ruled as follows:

Sentences Delivered

• Loty Texera De Souza was sentenced to 12 months of penal servitude and a fine of 2,000,000 Congolese Francs. His sentence was suspended for two years. The court found Loty guilty of direct participation in international illegal trafficking of protected species.

  
  

• Seydou Nzala Dumbia (alias Camara) was also sentenced to 12 months of penal servitude and a fine of 2,000,000 Congolese Francs. His sentence was suspended for two years. The court found Seydou guilty of direct participation in international wildlife trafficking.

  
  

• Baraka Kalinda Venance was acquitted. The court ruled that the prosecution failed to establish criminal liability. He was considered a minor intermediary rather than a principal actor.

  
  

Each convicted defendant must pay one-third of the court costs. The remaining third will be charged to the Public Treasury.

Background on the Busted Lion Cub Trafficking Network

On 7 August 2025, three lion cubs were seized near Lubumbashi in the DRC. A Congolese man identified as “Loty,” operating under multiple aliases, including De Souza and Texeria, purchased the cubs in South Africa. He intended to sell them to Malian trafficker Seydou Camara.

Didier Kalonji, a veterinarian and officer of the Provincial Environmental Coordination Office in Haut-Katanga, facilitated the cubs’ illegal entry at Sakania. He issued fraudulent documents. Didier managed to escape custody while under arrest and remains at large.

The suspects identified an “unseen” Malian national, Mamadou Ndiaye, as the alleged mastermind and intended buyer. Reportedly, he resides in Brazzaville and operates in Pointe-Noire and Bamako. Ndiaye has not been arrested, and investigations into his broader trafficking network are ongoing.

Investigators believe the cubs were destined for wealthy buyers in the Middle East. There, exotic animals command high prices. It is alleged that Mamadou Ndiaye was set to sell the cubs for up to USD 50,000. The trafficking route likely passed through Mali, where Seydou and Ndiaye are connected. From there, onward transport to Qatar, the UAE, or Saudi Arabia was planned using a mix of air transport and covert smuggling routes.

The Importance of Wildlife Conservation

Wildlife conservation is crucial for maintaining biodiversity. The illegal trafficking of animals not only threatens species but also disrupts ecosystems. Protecting these creatures is essential for future generations. The repatriation of the lion cubs is a step towards restoring balance.

Conclusion

The recent court ruling highlights the ongoing battle against wildlife trafficking. While the sentences may seem light, they serve as a reminder of the importance of legal frameworks in protecting endangered species. The journey of the lion cubs is not just about their return home; it symbolizes hope for wildlife conservation efforts worldwide.

The fight against wildlife trafficking continues. Awareness and action are vital in ensuring the safety of our planet's precious species. Let us work together to protect our wildlife and preserve the beauty of nature for future generations.