The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued a stern warning to people engaged in the illegal harvesting of firewood and possessing charcoal without permits saying they will be arrested.
Posting on their Twitter handle on Monday, the ZRP said 10 people were arrested on Wednesday last week after being found in possession of 160 bags of charcoal in Beatrice, Mashonaland East.
Three more people were arrested on Friday in Nyamapanda for possession of 110 bags of charcoal without a permit.
The suspects will appear in court on charges of contravening the Forestry Act. Police said in the statement:
On 10/03/21, Police in Beatrice arrested ten people for contravening the Forestry Act. The suspects were found in possession of varying quantities of charcoal adding to 160 bags.
Similarly, on 12/03/21, Police in Nyamapanda arrested 3 people for possession of 110 bags of charcoal without a permit.
ZRP is giving a stern warning to all people cutting down trees or dealing with any forestry produce without a permit that they risk being arrested.