By Rahim Abdul
Police in Mangochi, in collaboration with Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers from Eastern Region Police Headquarters, have arrested three men and one woman for being found in possession of forest produce without proper documentation.
According to Mangochi police spokesperson Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi,the suspects have been identified as Hawa Kambwiri, aged 36, Austin Sharifu, 41 years old, Harry Haj, aged 23, and Shaibu Jonas, 39 years old.
Daudi said the arrests were made during the night of May 8, 2026, at Bolera along the Mangochi–Chilipa Road following a joint operation prompted by intelligence reports regarding illegal charcoal dealings in the area.
During the operation, the team intercepted a 5-tonne Isuzu motor vehicle registration number MH 10209, which was loaded with bags of charcoal and travelling from Katema towards Mangochi Boma.
Upon searching the vehicle, officers discovered 108 bags of charcoal without proper documentation, prompting the arrest . The charcoal and the motor vehicle were seized, pending further investigations.
Meanwhile, the Department of Forestry was immediately informed and later assessed the confiscated charcoal at a value of K11.2 million.
All suspects are expected to appear before court soon to answer charges related to illegal possession of forest produce, contrary to the country’s forestry regulations.
All the suspects hail from Traditional Authority Mponda in Mangochi District.
