Authorities in Malawi are pursuing nine individuals who reportedly escaped police custody after being caught with charcoal hidden in a hearse, an incident officials say highlights the lengths some go to in the country’s booming illegal charcoal trade.
Forestry officers stopped the vehicle at a checkpoint in Chikwawa district, roughly 40 kilometres south of Blantyre, after receiving a tip-off.
Inside the hearse, they found an empty coffin concealing around 30 bags of charcoal, valued at approximately 1,700 dollars, according to Reuters.
William Mitembe, a forestry official, described the case as "the most complex illegal charcoal trafficking case in the country's history".
Hector Nkawihe, another forestry officer, told Reuters that the charcoal was discovered during what was supposed to be a routine road inspection near the commercial centre of Blantyre.
However, the funeral service linked to the hearse gave a different account. Manager Patrick Dimba explained to the BBC that the driver had been transporting two coffins to a grieving family so they could select one. On the return trip with the remaining empty coffin, the driver purchased 11 bags of charcoal. Dimba said there were no other passengers at the time of the stop.
Police confirmed that nine suspects had been detained briefly but later escaped, leaving the hearse behind. A police spokesperson told Reuters the suspects have not yet been formally charged.
Nkawihe added, "They face two charges of illegal possession of forestry products and transportation of the same." Conviction could result in up to five years in prison or a fine.
The charcoal industry is widespread in Malawi, largely due to unreliable electricity, which makes it the main fuel for cooking. Authorities blame illegal trade for accelerating deforestation across the country.
This incident comes amid economic challenges for Malawians. Last month, the energy regulator raised petrol and diesel prices by more than 40 percent, the second increase in four months. President Peter Mutharika, who resumed office last year, has been pushing to revive the struggling economy while households contend with rising costs.
