By Garikai Chikuvira

A 35-year-old man, Learnmore Mudanga, has been arrested for transporting charcoal without a permit or license.

He was accused of contravening Section 78(a) of the Forestry Act Chapter 19:05 and Section 3(1)(a)(d) of S.I 116 of 2012 Forestry (Control of Firewood, Timber and Forestry Produce) Regulations.

Mudanga, a driver for Timboon Coaches bus, was intercepted by ZRP Nyamapanda officers during a patrol after they had received information about the bus transporting charcoal and promptly responded to the tip-off.

Although the bus crew and charcoal owner initially fled upon seeing the police, Mudanga was later tracked down and escorted to ZRP Nyamapanda together with the bus.

Police said during questioning, Mudanga admitted to transporting the charcoal.

Ninety-six bags of charcoal valued at $900 were recovered. Investigations are ongoing.

The police appreciate the public’s assistance in providing information that led to the arrest and urge continued cooperation to combat environmental crimes. The destruction of the environment through unauthorised charcoal transportation will not be tolerated, police warned in a statement.

New Ziana