Malawian authorities are investigating an elaborate charcoal smuggling operation after nine suspects escaped police custody following their arrest in a highly unusual trafficking case. The incident unfolded when forestry officials, acting on intelligence, intercepted a hearse at a roadblock near Blantyre that was purportedly part of a funeral procession.
Upon inspection, officials discovered an empty coffin strategically placed over multiple bags of illegally sourced charcoal with an estimated market value of $1,700. The discovery revealed what forestry official William Mitembe described to local media as “the most complex illegal charcoal trafficking case in the country’s history.”
The case took a curious turn when Patrick Dimba, manager of the involved funeral service, provided an alternative account to the BBC. According to Dimba, their driver was returning from a bereavement visit where he had transported two coffins for family selection. The empty coffin remained after the family made their choice, and the driver allegedly purchased 11 bags of charcoal during his return journey without other passengers present.
Police reports contradict this narrative, indicating that approximately 30 bags of charcoal were concealed beneath the coffin during the interception in Chikwawa district, approximately 40 kilometers south of Blantyre. The suspects were briefly detained but subsequently escaped custody, abandoning the impounded vehicle.
Hector Nkawihe, another forestry official, confirmed to Reuters that the individuals face charges of illegal possession and transportation of forestry products. If convicted, penalties include up to five years imprisonment or substantial fines.
This incident highlights Malawi’s ongoing struggle with rampant charcoal trafficking, which has become a primary driver of deforestation nationwide. The high demand for charcoal as cooking fuel persists due to frequent electricity blackouts that plague the country. The economic context has worsened recently, with Malawi’s energy regulator implementing over 40% increases in petrol and diesel prices last month—the second significant fuel cost hike within four months.
President Peter Mutharika’s administration continues to grapple with revitalizing Malawi’s struggling economy while addressing environmental challenges exacerbated by illegal fuel operations.