Three forest guards have been injured after being attacked by a group of villagers inside Kaning’ina Forest Reserve during a law enforcement operation.

According to Forestry Communications and Advisory Services Officer for the Northern Region Forestry Zone, Kelvin Chisaka, the incident occurred today near Lunyangwa Dam, a critical water source for the Northern Region Water Board (NRWB). The guards were patrolling the area when they encountered eight people illegally cutting down trees.

“While attempting to apprehend the culprits, some managed to escape and later returned with reinforcements to overpower the guards,” Chisaka said.

This follows a recent visit by the Minister of Natural Resources, who expressed concern over the declining water levels in the dam. In response, authorities intensified patrols to prevent further destruction of the dam’s catchment area.

One suspect has since been arrested and is in police custody, while the injured guards sustained head, ear, teeth, and lung injuries.