Fake funeral ruse exposed in major charcoal bust
By Michael Martin//MALAWI
Authorities in southern region have uncovered an elaborate charcoal smuggling operation that used a staged funeral procession as cover for transporting illegal goods.
Forestry officials stationed at the Thabwa in Chikwawa district checkpoint stopped a hearse that appeared to be part of a burial convoy.
Inside the vehicle, officers discovered an empty coffin placed on top of bags of loose charcoal.
The charcoal had been concealed beneath a green burial carpet typically used during funeral ceremonies.
According to the Deputy Director of Forestry for the Southern Zone, William Mitembe, the vehicle had traveled to Ngabu where the charcoal was loaded before the deceptive procession began.
Individuals posing as mourners reportedly accompanied the hearse, singing funeral songs to make the operation appear legitimate.
Officials described the scheme as one of the most sophisticated charcoal trafficking attempts recorded in the country.
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