Zimbabwe: Forestry Commission Impounds 20 Trucks, Seizes 4 000 Bags of Charcoal in Harare Sweep to Nip Deforestation

What the report says

Zimbabwe’s Forestry Commission said it carried out a major anti-illegal logging and charcoal operation in Harare Metropolitan Province in August 2026, impounding 20 trucks and seizing 4,000 bags of charcoal and 300 cubic metres of firewood. The sweep formed part of the agency’s “No To Indigenous Firewood” campaign, which targeted areas including Mbare, Chikwanha in Chitungwiza and Lusaka in Highfield, along with vehicles supplying urban markets and poultry farmers.

According to the report published by New Zimbabwe and distributed by AllAfrica, Forestry Commission operations manager Lewis Radzire said the crackdown was meant to curb deforestation and bring more order to the charcoal and firewood trade. The commission said the impounded vehicles included eight light trucks and 12 heavy trucks. Officials also said the recovered forest products were headed for informal markets.

The commission has also stepped up enforcement through spot fines and prosecutions under Zimbabwe’s Forest Act. The report said 111 spot fines issued last month raised more than US$22,000, while court cases are already under way. The Forestry Commission is working with the police, prisons service and traditional leaders on roadblocks, patrols and public reporting. The campaign reflects broader concerns about tree loss, including its effects on water, rainfall and rural livelihoods, and the commission said it plans to extend the blitz to other provinces ahead of the rainy season.