Four Men Busted for Rampant Illegal Logging in Mangochi’s Phirilongwe Forest
Published on December 22, 2025 at 12:30 PM by Evance Kapito
Mangochi police have arrested four men suspected of committing multiple environmental offenses in the Phirilongwe Forest Reserve.
According to police spokesperson Amina Tepani Daudi, the arrests were made over the weekend during an operation conducted in coordination with forestry officials. The operation targeted individuals found illegally entering the protected forest and destroying trees.
The suspects have been identified as Allie Ayami, 32; Eddie Sayidi, 44; John Chande, 30; and Imedi Justin, 28, all from Malenga Village under Chief Mtonda in Mangochi.
Daudi said the men were found in the reserve cutting trees without authorization, burning charcoal, and stealing forest products. Officers recovered 44 sacks of charcoal, three axes, and one saw.
The suspects are currently in custody, facing charges including illegal entry into a protected forest, unauthorized tree cutting, charcoal burning, and possession of forest products without a permit. Their cases will proceed to court once investigations are complete.
