Three More Suspects Arrested for Illegal Activities in Kaning'ina Forest Reserve
Kaning'ina forest team arrests 3 for illegal activities.
MZUZU, Malawi- The forest reserve team in Kaning'ina achieved a significant milestone in their ongoing battle against illegal activities within the protected forest reserve after they arrested three individuals suspected of engaging in actions detrimental to the forest's conservation on June 18, 2023, writes Tionge Hara.
The suspects were identified as Martha Mteya, aged 40, hailing from Siliya village T/A Chindi; Patrick Khamula, aged 28, residing in Namainja village TA Mabuka; and Amos Ng'ambi, aged 25, from Nakafikira, Traditional Authority Mwaulambia.
These individuals were apprehended during a routine patrol conducted on June 17, 2023.
During the arrest, the suspects were found participating in various illicit activities, including the unauthorised felling of trees, charcoal production, and timber sawing.
The forest rangers promptly confiscated their equipment and reported the matter to the appropriate authorities.
All three suspects are presently under police custody and await their upcoming court appearances.
This recent apprehension follows closely on the heels of last week's arrest of three individuals involved in similar illegal activities within the same forest reserve.
Agness Nyirenda, an officer from the Department of Forestry in Mzuzu, stressed the urgency of adopting a multisectoral approach to address the ongoing issue of illegal activities in protected areas.
Nyirenda urged the public to shift to alternative energy sources, thereby reducing the demand for illegal charcoal and safeguarding the forested regions.
She said, "It requires a mindset change, and it should begin with us, who, until now, have provided a market to charcoal producers. Only when 90% of urban residents cease using illegal charcoal and embrace alternative energy sources will our forests be truly protected."
Maloto Chimkombero, an environmentalist in Malawi, expressed disappointment over the persisting rise in such cases.
He voiced the need for increased forest guard presence in protected areas and stressed the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.
"We must ensure that those found on the wrong side of the law are brought to justice," Chimkombero stated. He further advocated for investments in clean energy alternatives to combat the charcoal market effectively.
"By enhancing the availability and affordability of clean energy sources, we can encourage a transition from biomass energy to sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives.”
Chimkombero also cautioned that merely enacting laws would not be sufficient in the fight against deforestation.
He stressed the importance of combining legislation with proactive measures and sustainable alternatives to effectively address the issue.
The forest reserve team in Kaning'ina remains committed to preserving the natural heritage of the protected area.
The recent arrests serve as a stern warning to potential offenders, reiterating the consequences of engaging in illegal activities that harm the delicate balance of the forest ecosystem.