Online Reporter
Trust Freddy-Herald Correspondent
THE Forestry Commission impounded 20 trucks and seized 4 000 bags of charcoal and 300 cubic metres of firewood in Harare Metropolitan Province last month, while issuing over US$22 000 in spot fines as part of the “No To Indigenous Firewood” campaign.
The August 2026 blitz targeted illegal traders at Mbare, Chikwanha in Chitungwiza and Lusaka in Highfield, as well as trucks supplying city markets and chicken breeders.
In an interview on Friday, Forestry Commission Operations manager Mr Lewis Radzire said the August 2026 operation was aimed at stopping rampant deforestation and formalising the firewood and charcoal trade.
“We are serious about protecting our forests,” he said. “We impounded 20 vehicles in total. That is 8 trucks in the 1.5 to 3tonne range and 12 trucks in the 5 to 15-tonne range used to ferry illegal forest produce.
“From those trucks and from targeted raids at Mbare, Chikwanha and Lusaka in Highfields, we recovered 300 cubic metres of firewood. We also seized 4 000 bags of charcoal that were being transported to illegal markets and to chicken breeders.”
Mr Lewis said enforcement had been stepped up with stiffer penalties.
“We issued 111 tickets during the month. The average fine paid was US$200.00. That gives us collections of over US$22 000. But money is not the issue here. The issue is saving our trees,” he said.
“Arrest and prosecution of offenders violating the Forest Act (Chapter 19:05) are ongoing. Several cases are now before the courts. We want to send a clear message that breaking the law will cost you.”
The commission said it was working with other State agencies and communities to curb forest loss.
“We have rolled out joint operations with the ZRP, ZPCS, GMB and local traditional leaders. We are increasing coverage in hotspots, manning roadblocks on major highways, and doing active patrols,” Mr Radzire said.
“We are also running conservation awareness campaigns in communities and farming areas. The public must understand that deforestation affects water, rainfall and livelihoods.”
“We are responding promptly to deforestation reports. That is how we build public confidence in the Commission’s mandate.”
Mr Lewis noted progress in formalising the trade.
“One key achievement is the increase in the number of registered traders. That shows people are now choosing to comply,” he said.
“We are also seeing increased visibility in hotspot areas, which is deterring would-be offenders.”
The director urged the public to play its part.
“Let me reiterate: all movement and trade of forest produce require proper documentation in terms of the Forest Act (Chapter 19:05),” Mr Radzire said.
“Members of the public are urged to report illegal activities to the nearest Forestry Commission office.
“This blitz will not stop here. We are taking it to other provinces ahead of the rainy season because we are serious about protecting our forests for future generations.”
