By Sylvester Kumwenda

Dowa, March 24, Mana: Dowa Second Grade Magistrate's Court on Monday fined K1 million each, to three people who were convicted for possessing forest produce without a license.

The three are Chimwemwe Gomani of Masunda Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Phambala in Ntcheu, Peter Phiri of Mbiwi Village, T/A Kafuzira in Nkhotakota and Phill Elisa who hails from Lobi Village T/A Kachere in Dedza.

According to Dowa police station Public Relations Officer, Alice Sitima, the court heard from Sub Inspector Edward Chiopsa that the trio were apprehended on March 15, 2025, at Mvera Police roadblock using a Mazda TITAN lorry, registration number LL 10228, driven by Elisa and heading to Lilongwe. 

"During the inspection, officers discovered 28 bags of charcoal concealed in the vehicle, and the suspects failed to produce a license for transporting forest produce, which led to their arrest and the seizure of the vehicle," said Sitima.

Sitima further said that, in court, all three admitted to the charges of possessing forest produce without a licence, and during mitigation, they asked the court for leniency, citing that they were first-time offenders and primary providers for their families.

"The state however urged the court to impose a stiffer penalty, emphasizing the detrimental effects of deforestation, including environmental degradation and reduced rainfall due to unchecked tree-cutting practices.

"Second Grade Magistrate Charity Simwaka upheld the state’s submission and imposed fines of K1 million each or in default, three-year imprisonment with a hard labour sentence. They have since paid the fines," said Sitima.

The court further ordered the forfeiture of all the charcoal bags to Malawi Government through Dowa Forest Office.

However, the motor vehicle was returned to its owner, as investigations showed she was unaware of its use in transporting forest produce.