Penalised 12 cattle for deforestation

15 Apr, 2022 - 00:04 0 Views
Penalised 12 cattle for deforestation Chief Makoni

The ManicaPost

 

Lovemore Kadzura
Rusape Correspondent

CHIEF Makoni has bemoaned the rate of deforestation in Makoni district, adding that if nothing is done to discourage tobacco farmers and other villagers from chopping down trees, there will be no forests to talk about in the near future.

The traditional leader said this while handing down a judgment to two villagers who were facing allegations of causing rampant deforestation in Chirimutsitu Village.

Elvis and Jimmy Wilson were found guilty of wantonly cutting down indigenous trees for resale.

Headman Omega Gwasira was the complainant.

“Elvis and Jimmy Wilson are using chainsaws to cut down trees and selling the wood to tobacco farmers for use in curing their tobacco.

‘‘I confiscated one of their chainsaws, but they have since reported me to the police saying I stole it.

“They are operating every day with chainsaws and lorries to ferry the wood to their clients. Even after being served with summons to appear before this court, they didn’t stop their operations,” said Headman Gwasira.

Chief Makoni said imposing deterrent sentences would stop would-be offenders from committing the crime and ordered the duo to pay a fine of 12 herd of cattle.

“The issue of deforestation has gone out of hand. We recently had a meeting at Makoni Rural District Council where we agreed to up our game in curbing deforestation.

“We cannot fold our hands and watch as people cut down our trees and destroy the environment. The rate of deforestation is shocking.

“Our forests are now seriously depleted and this exposes us to the effects of climate change. If we do not act now, we will end up with deserts.

“We should impose deterrent sentences to those causing deforestation in our communities so that we send a clear message that we are serious in protecting the environment,” ruled the chief.

 

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