Charcoal Concealed in Coffin
.…Malawi Forestry Officers Foil Smugglers’ Plot
Charcoal smugglers in Chikwawa, Malawi, staged a fake funeral — complete with mourners and a coffin — to transport illegal charcoal.
The scheme was uncovered over the weekend at Thabwa Roadblock when forestry officers intercepted a hearse carrying what appeared to be a coffin.
Instead of a body, officers found loose charcoal hidden under a green funeral carpet, loaded from Ngabu.
Deputy Director of Forestry for Zone South, William Mitembe, described the case as the most complex illegal charcoal trafficking incident in Malawi’s history.
“The vehicle is a hearse. It travelled to Ngabu where charcoal was loaded into the vehicle. The charcoal was wrapped with the green carpet used during funerals at the burial site, and on top sat the coffin,” Mitembe explained.
“There were people singing like a funeral procession, which never actually was. This shows how complex illegal charcoal operations have become,” he added.
The operation was foiled after concerned citizens tipped off the Chikwawa District Forestry Office.
A thorough search revealed the empty coffin and the concealed charcoal beneath the ceremonial carpet.
Charcoal is widely used in Malawi for cooking and heating, but its illegal production and sale contribute to deforestation and environmental degradation.
Transporting or trading charcoal without proper permits is considered a criminal offence under Malawian law.