Forestry Commission impounds 20 trucks, seizes 4 000 bags of charcoal in Harare sweep to nip deforestation
Zimbabwe's Forestry Commission has impounded 20 trucks and seized thousands of bags of charcoal in a crackdown on illegal deforestation. The operation aims to protect indigenous forests and formalize the firewood trade ahead of the rainy season.
Why it matters
This reflects broader efforts in Africa to balance economic survival for informal traders with the urgent need for environmental conservation and climate resilience.
THE Forestry Commission has impounded 20 trucks and seized 4 000 bags of charcoal and 300 cubic metres of firewood in Harare Metropolitan Province during a major August 2026 operation targeting illegal forest trade.
The “No To Indigenous Firewood” campaign focused on Mbare, Chikwanha in Chitungwiza and Lusaka in Highfield, as well as vehicles supplying urban markets and poultry farmers.
Forestry Commission Operations Manager Lewis Radzire to the media that the crackdown was aimed at halting deforestation and bringing structure to the charcoal and firewood sector.
“We are serious about protecting our forests,” Radzire stated.
He explained that of the 20 vehicles impounded, eight were light trucks and 12 were heavy trucks used to haul illegal forest products.
From both the vehicles and targeted raids, officers recovered 4 000 bags of charcoal and 300 cubic metres of firewood that were headed for informal markets.
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