Authorities Arrest Three Individuals for Illegal Tree Cutting in Kaning'ina Forest
Mzuzu Forestry Dept. apprehends 3 tree-cutters in Kaning'ina forest, writes Tionge Hara.
MZUZU, Malawi-The Department of Forestry in Mzuzu has apprehended three individuals who were caught cutting down trees in the Kaning'ina forest on June 8, 2023, writes Tionge Hara.
According to Agness Nyirenda, the Mzuzu district officer, the three suspects were discovered burning charcoal in the forest around 3 a.m.
The individuals have been identified as Mark Phiri (28), Linly Mhango (30), and Chimwemwe Mhango (32), all residents of Msongwe near Joel Trading Centre.
The Department of Forestry expressed deep concern over this behaviour and highlighted the alarming involvement of women in forest destruction.
In an interview, Agness Nyirenda elaborated on the matter, emphasising the need for immediate action to address the issue.
Recently, Malawi has been grappling with the challenge of combating deforestation.
In light of this, Matthews Malata, the president of the Association of Environmental Journalists in Malawi, commended the Department of Forestry in Mzuzu for their successful operation.
"This is the kind of proactive approach the department should be taking on a daily basis. Inconsistent enforcement and corruption allegations have greatly tarnished the department's reputation, but there is an opportunity for recovery," said Malata.
He further emphasised the importance of providing adequate funding for law enforcement in the national budget, as it is a costly and risky endeavour.
Malata stressed that if Malawi is serious about achieving its goal of halting deforestation by 2030, sufficient resources must be allocated to combat the issue.
The three suspects have been handed over to the police and will proceed to court to face charges for their illegal activities.