Police in Zomba are keeping in custody six suspected people for illegal possession of trees. The six have been arrested during a joint operation between Police, Forest Office and Southern Region Water Board.
On the night of October 16, 2022, the team received a tip that, Maxwell Banda (42) and his five accomplices were cutting down trees around Mulunguzi dam catchment area illegally.
Acting on the tip, the team rushed to the scene and arrested the six and impounded two Toyota Dyna motor vehicles and a 2 tone Mistubishi canter carrying 13 fresh pine logs.
The suspects will appear before court soon to answer charges of cutting down trees and transporting forest produce without permit.
Maxwell Banda hails from Buleya village, Traditional Authority Chikowi in Zomba district says Aaron Chilala, the district’s deputy police publicist.