Four Mozambicans arrested over illegal mining in Nsanje

A joint security operation has led to the arrest of four Mozambican nationals accused of carrying out illegal mining inside protected areas in Nsanje District.

The arrests come as authorities intensify efforts to stop illegal activities that threaten Malawi’s natural resources and protected ecosystems.

Nsanje Police spokesperson Jabulani Ng’oma said the four suspects were arrested during a coordinated operation involving police officers from Nsanje and Chiromo, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, the Forestry Department, and the Immigration Department.

Ng’oma said the operation was launched after authorities received reports of suspected illegal mining activities in Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve and Matandwe Forest Reserve.

The suspects have been identified as Benito Zyongi, 29, Timothy Blandy, 31, Obiya Backer, 35, and Isaac Danger, 29, all Mozambican nationals.

According to Ng’oma, investigators believe the four entered the protected areas illegally and were allegedly involved in mining activities that are prohibited within the reserves.

He said the suspects are expected to face several charges, including illegal immigration, illegally entering protected areas, conveying weapons into protected areas without permits, and conducting illegal mining inside protected areas.

Police have since warned members of the public against engaging in illegal activities within protected areas, saying law enforcement agencies will continue joint operations to safeguard Malawi’s forests and wildlife reserves.