Police in Zomba have arrested six people for cutting down pine trees around Mulunguzi Dam and trafficking the forest produce.

Deputy Public Relations Officer for Zomba Police Station Sergeant Aaron Chilala confirmed that the suspects were arrested on the night of 16 October 2022.

Chilala said the six were arrested during a joint operation between Police, Forest Office and Southern Region Water Board.

“The team received a tip that, Maxwell Banda aged 42 and his five accomplices were cutting down trees around Mulunguzi dam area.” He said

The team rushed to the scene after the receiving the tip and arrested the six and impounded two Toyota Dyna motor vehicles and a 2 tonne Mistubishi canter carrying 13 fresh pine logs.

The suspects will appear before court 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.