LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Salima First Grade Magistrate’s Court has handed down 30-month prison terms with hard labour to two men found guilty of producing charcoal without a permit inside Thuma Forest Reserve.
Gift Zamanemba and Chikondi Manyowa were arrested on May 10, 2026 after forest rangers on routine patrols discovered them operating charcoal kilns within the protected area. Both suspects admitted to the offence when questioned at the scene.
When they appeared before the court, the pair pleaded guilty to the charges.
State Prosecutor Memory Shawa urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence, noting that despite ongoing awareness campaigns and repeated warnings, illegal activities in the reserve persist.
First Grade Magistrate Imran Phiri agreed with the prosecution’s submission.
He sentenced each convict to eight months with hard labour for unlawfully entering the forest reserve, another eight months for possession of prohibited weapons, and 30 months with hard labour for producing charcoal without authorisation.
The magistrate ordered that the sentences run concurrently, meaning the pair will serve 30 months.
The court’s ruling underscores ongoing efforts by authorities to curb deforestation and illegal resource extraction in Malawi’s forest reserves.
Officials have repeatedly warned that such activities undermine conservation efforts and threaten environmental sustainability.
Thuma Forest Reserve has been a focus of government and conservation groups due to persistent encroachment and charcoal production, which continue despite public sensitisation programmes.