Department of Forestry in Mzuzu Surprised by Police's Release of Suspects
Mzuzu Forestry Dept. surprised by release of tree cutters , writes Tionge Hara.
Mzuzu, Malawi - The Department of Forestry in Mzuzu has expressed surprise over the release of suspects who were caught burning charcoal and cutting down trees last week, writes Tionge Hara.
The department, in collaboration with CIDs, arrested the suspects in the early hours of June 8, 2023.
Mzuzu District Forest Officer Agness Nyirenda stated that the department was not notified whether the suspects were granted bail or not.
Nyirenda added that they learned of the suspects' release on the same day and that the chances of taking the case to court are getting slimmer.
However, Mzuzu Police Public Relations Officer Paul Tembo explained that the three suspects were granted bail because one of them fell ill while in custody.
Tembo added that it would not have been appropriate to release one suspect and keep the other two in custody.
According to Tembo, the three suspects are expected to appear in court on Thursday.
Innocent Sandram, Projects Lead of the Movement for Environmental Action in Malawi, expressed concern over the issue, stating that justice must prevail and all culprits punished according to the law.
The fight against deforestation requires adequate funding in the national budget for law enforcement, which is an expensive and risky venture.