Police in Zomba have arrested nine people on suspicion  of illegally cutting down trees in Zomba Mountain without proper authorisation form council.

Spokesperson for Zomba Police Station, Patricia Sipiliano, has confirmed the arrest and she has  identified the suspects as Stefano Chidule, Moses Tawakali, Michael Bernard, and six others, aged between 25 and 40.

Sipiliano stated that the suspects were found in possession of 40 pine logs but failed to provide documentation showing where they obtained the trees.

“The suspects will soon appear in court to answer to the charges,” said Sipiliano.