By Shaffie A Mtambo
The Mangochi Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court has convicted and sentenced Mark Yusuf to three years imprisonment with hard labor for possessing forest produce without a permit.
The 31-year-old, who hails from Chomba Village, Traditional Authority Mponda in Mangochi, was found with 212 bags of charcoal and 27 pieces of timber valued at K22.3 million.
Speaking with 247 Malawi News Mangochi Police Public Relations Officer Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi,says the prosecution, police officers received a tip-off on April 30, 2025, and proceeded to Yusuf’s compound, where they discovered the forest produce.
Therefore the Department of Forestry was alerted and joined the operation, leading to the seizure of the charcoal and timber.
Yusuf pleaded guilty to the charges and asked for leniency, citing family responsibilities and business loss.
However, Prosecutor Sub Inspector Davie Katandika argued that such acts contribute to climate change, deforestation, and habitat destruction, warranting a custodial sentence.
The court agreed with the prosecution, stating that the charcoal trade undermines forest restoration efforts.
Senior Resident Magistrate Muhammad Chande sentenced Yusuf to three years imprisonment with hard labor, also ordering the forfeiture of the seized forest produce to the Malawi Government.
