* A joint patrol conducted together with officers from Mangochi District Forestry targeting offenders associated with forestry crimes
Maravi Express
Mangochi Police have arrested four men for committing various forestry related offences at Phirilongwe Forest Reserve.
A report by Mangochi Police PRO, lnspector Amina Tepani Daudi indicates that the arrests were made over the weekend during a joint patrol conducted together with officers from Mangochi District Forestry targeting offenders associated with forestry crimes.
Advertisement
The suspects have been identified as Allie Ayami (32), Eddie Sayidi (44), John Chande (30), and Imedi Justin (28), all from Malenga Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Mtonda in Mangochi.
During the operation, Inspector Daudi says “the patrol team found the suspects settled inside the forest reserve, where they were allegedly engaged in illegal tree cutting and charcoal production activities”.
“Meanwhile, 44 bags of charcoal, three knives, and one hoe were confiscated.The suspects are facing charges of illegal entry into a forest reserve, cutting down of trees, illegal charcoal production, and possession of charcoal.”
All suspects are expected to appear before court upon completion of paperwork and the police in the district have since warned the public against encroaching into forest reserves, noting that such practices contribute to deforestation and environmental degradation.
Advertisement