Police in Ntcheu, have intercepted two trucks loaded with a total of 153 (one hundred and fifty-three) bags of charcoal being trafficked without a permit along Golomoti- Masasa S127 road.
Officers from Biriwiri border who were on duty, erected an ad hoc roadblock along the said road.
While working, in the wee hours of November 24, they came across the two trucks fully loaded with charcoal but, without any supporting document.
The trucks, Hino Ranger, registration number BLK 5068, that was being driven by Goliat Theneson, 42, of Chembe village, Traditional Authority Nankumba, Mangochi, and Toyota Dyna, registration number RU 6682, whose driver’s particulars are still unknown after he abandoned the vehicle, had 103 (one hundred and three) bags and 50 (fifty) bags of charcoal respectively.
Both drivers are expected to appear in court soon to answer a case of Trafficking Forest Produce (charcoal) Without Permit which contravenes section 81 (1) of Forest Act.
In a related development, police manning the same ad hoc roadblock have also arrested Landirani Kachusami, 29, of Nkutu village, Traditional Authority Kamenyagwaza in Dedza, for being found in possession of 12 (twelve bags) of fertilizer without valid documents, and five National Identity cards of other different people.
He was driving a Toyota Sienta, registration number not provided, from the direction of Golomoti heading Masasa Trading Centre.
Upon being stopped where the officers had erected the roadblock, he was thoroughly searched and a revelation of the said items was made.
He will appear in court soon to answer a case of Found in Possession of Goods Suspected to have been Stolen.
Meanwhile, police in the district have stepped up efforts in making sure that there is no room for criminal activities.
Sub Inspector Hastings Chigalu
Ntcheu Police Public Relations Officer
Cell: 0999075827 / 0888359882
Email: chigaluhastings@gmail.com