A forestry scout ranger in Machinga is in agony at St. Lukes Hospital in Zomba after angry charcoal producers hacked him in Chikala Hills.

Machinga police spokesperson Western Kansire has identified the ranger as 46-year-old Daudi Adam, who, together with other officers, were patroling Chikala Hills, where they managed to arrest about eight suspected charcoal producers.

Kansire said on their return, angry villagers blocked forest officers, demanding the release of their relatives, a development that led to a running battle, and one villager threw a panga knife on the cheek of the forestry officer, who was immediately rushed to the hospital.

“The angry villagers went on to vandalize the Nauko Forestry Office, where over 100 bicycles have been stolen, but one suspect has been arrested,” said Kansire.

Source:ZBS