By Rahim Abdul
Police in Mangochi, have arrested four men for committing various forestry related offences at Phirilongwe Forest Reserve in Mangochi District.
The arrests were made over the weekend during a joint patrol conducted by officers from Mangochi District Forestry office together with police targeting offenders associated with forestry crimes.
The suspects have been identified as Allie Ayami aged 32, Eddie Sayidi 44 years old, John Chande aged 30, and Imedi Justin 28 years old, all from Malenga Village, Traditional Authority Mtonda, Mangochi District.
During the operation, 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 are expected to appear before court upon completion of paperwork.
Police in the district have since warned the public against encroaching into forest reserves, noting that such practices contribute to deforestation and environmental degradation.
