Hwange Local Board (HLB) has moved to tighten control over the production and trade of charcoal within its area of jurisdiction amid growing concerns over deforestation in the district.
The local authority as from January 1, 2026, imposed penalties on individuals found in possession of charcoal without the required documentation. The measure, which has been incorporated into the proposed 2026 budget, will see offenders fined US$30, while the charcoal will be confiscated.
HLB Corporate Communications Officer Dumisani Nsingo said the decision followed observations that charcoal production and trading had increased significantly, particularly in Empumalanga high-density suburb.
“We introduced penalties for the illegal possession of charcoal after noting that the practice had become rampant, particularly in Empumalanga high-density suburb. A significant number of people are now involved in the production and sale of charcoal,” said Nsingo.
He said the intervention was designed to complement ongoing efforts by the Environmental Management Agency and the Forestry Commission to curb deforestation and protect the environment.
Concerns raised by the local authority were recently reinforced by a joint operation carried out by HLB Police and the Forestry Commission at a residence in Empumalanga suburb, where 900 kilogrammes of illegally produced charcoal were discovered.
Acting on a tip-off, enforcement officers raided the property and confiscated the charcoal, which officials said was believed to have been produced through the unregulated cutting of indigenous trees.
Officials from both institutions said the operation marked the beginning of intensified efforts to curb environmental crimes in the district.
“Those involved in the illicit charcoal trade will face arrest, heavy fines and forfeiture of their produce,” the officials said.
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