A court in Lilongwe has adjourned a case involving the illegal possession and trafficking of forest produce, contrary to Section 68 (3) (a) of the Forestry Act.

The accused, Lawrence Sigwa, 37, and Brighton Kholowa, 73, were scheduled to appear in court, but the hearing was postponed due to the absence of Principal Resident Magistrate Rodrick Michongwe and some witnesses.

The two suspects were arrested following a joint operation by investigators from the Wildlife and Environmental Crime Investigations Unit, Police Mobile Services officers, officials from the Professional Standards Unit, and the Forestry Department Headquarters.

The operation was launched after authorities received a tip-off that individuals were transporting charcoal from Nkhotakota to Lilongwe.

Sigwa and Kholowa were found in possession of 200 bags of charcoal and were taken to Lingadzi Police Station.

Both suspects have admitted to all charges brought against them.