Malawi Police Hunt Nine Suspects After Alleged Charcoal Smuggling Using Hearse

Authorities in Malawi are searching for nine individuals who reportedly escaped custody after being caught allegedly using a hearse to smuggle charcoal, disguised as part of a funeral procession.

Forestry officials intercepted the vehicle at a roadblock near the city of Blantyre following a tip-off. Inside, they discovered an empty coffin covering several bags of charcoal valued at around $1,700 (£1,200), according to Reuters.

However, Patrick Dimba, manager of the funeral service involved, told the BBC that the driver had purchased the charcoal on his return from delivering coffins to a bereaved family. He explained that only one empty coffin remained in the hearse, and there were no other passengers at the time of the checkpoint stop.

William Mitembe, a forestry official, described the operation as the “most complex illegal charcoal trafficking case in the country’s history.” About 30 bags of charcoal were seized during the roadblock in Chikwawa district, roughly 40 km south of Blantyre, according to another official, Hector Nkawihe.

Police confirmed that the nine suspects who were briefly detained later escaped custody, leaving behind the confiscated hearse. They face charges of illegal possession and transportation of forestry products, which carry penalties of up to five years in prison or a fine if convicted.

Charcoal smuggling is widespread in Malawi, where it is a primary source of fuel for cooking, particularly amid frequent electricity blackouts. Recent fuel price hikes—over 40% in the past few months—have further increased reliance on charcoal.

President Peter Mutharika, who returned to office last year, has been working to revive Malawi’s struggling economy, but illegal charcoal trade remains a major challenge and contributor to deforestation.