Dowa Police Station officer-in-charge Almakio Daka has warned people around Kongwe Forest Reserve to stop cutting down trees from the protected area.

Speaking on Tuesday during a visit to communities around the forest in Traditional Authority Msakambewa, he said people should jealously guard the forest.

“The forest is important in a number of ways as it plays a crucial role in the formation of rain which is important for your farming activities. Therefore, you don’t have to plunder forestry products without replacing them,” said Daka. 

He also said violating forestry by-laws established by the community is an offense.

Daka speaks to community members

Daka urged traditional leaders to take a leading role in protecting Kongwe Forest since the perpetrators are their own subjects.

Group village head Tembo thanked the law enforcers for issuing the warning.

He said: “We have tried our best but people are adamant as they encroach the forest for its resources. Sadly, Kongwe is losing its cover as charcoal producers have besieged it.

“So, we believe if you arrest two or three people at least it will send a strong message to encroachers.”

One of the community members, Eliana Misoya, said the police’s visit was timely since she didn’t know that wanton cutting of trees was an offence.

“My family and I had been carelessly cutting down trees to produce charcoal because I didn’t know it’s against the law. From now onwards, I’ll look after this forest,” she said.

Meanwhile, police have intensified patrols around the protected forest reserve.

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