Charcoal makers suspected of killing forest patrol guard
Police in Dedza are hunting for charcoal producers believed to be from Lilongwe for allegedly killing a community volunteer working in Dzalanyama Forest.
Speaking in an interview yesterday, Dedza Police Station deputy spokesperson Cassim Manda said Wilson Samuel, 32, of Lozani Village in Traditional Authority Chilikumwendo was murdered last Saturday while on a routine patrol inside the forest together with 13 other volunteers.
some people’s livelihood
“As they were patrolling, they met more than 15 men carrying charcoal on their bicycles.
“When he stopped them, a violent fight ensued, but the charcoal makers were armed with pangas and axes,” he said.
Manda said the volunteers were overpowered in the process and started retreating from the scene.
“The charcoal producers chased them and captured Samuel. They hacked him and he died on the spot,” he said.
Manda said another volunteer, identified as Chiyerekezo Mainala, also got injured in the fracas and is currently admitted to Kamuzu Central Hospital.
Police have since appealed to the public to provide information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.
