Solwezi, North-Western Province | 19 July 2026 – The Department of Forestry has arrested two suspects and seized more than 200 Rosewood (Guibourtia coleosperma) logs, five trucks and heavy timber-processing equipment following a major enforcement operation conducted at a timber yard in Manyinga District.

The operation, carried out on Saturday, July 18, 2026, was conducted by officers from the Department of Forestry. Senior Public Prosecutor Mr. Alex Yanganani of the National Prosecution Authority’s Environmental and Wildlife Crimes Department was present during the operation as part of ongoing collaboration between investigators and prosecutors in combating environmental crime.

The operation followed investigations into suspected illegally harvested Rosewood ((Guibourtia coleosperma) from Manyinga District, which led investigators to the Zam-Viet timber yard situated on traditional land in Manyinga District. Upon inspection of the premises, investigators discovered a substantial quantity of suspected illegally possessed timber together with vehicles and timber-processing equipment believed to have been used in the commission of the alleged offences.

During the operation, officers seized:

• 218 Rosewood (Guiburtia coleosperma) logs, comprising both marked and unmarked logs;
• 149 pieces of sawn timber;
• Five trucks, two of which were operational while three were non-runners;
• Two Wood-Mizer industrial milling machines; and
• One forklift.
  All the seized property has been placed in State custody pending the conclusion of investigations and subsequent court proceedings.

The operation resulted in the apprehension of Ngu Yen, a Vietnamese national and Director of Zam-Viet, and Alick Mwanga (37) of Chalala, Lusaka, who claimed ownership of some of the timber recovered from the yard.

Mr. Mwanga was unable to produce documentation establishing the lawful possession or origin of the timber he claimed.

Both suspects remain in lawful police custody at Manyinga Police Station.
Investigators are currently making arrangements to secure the services of a competent interpreter for the Vietnamese national before the next procedural steps are undertaken. This is to ensure that all legal processes are conducted in accordance with the requirements of the law and the suspects’ right to a fair process.

Subject to the conclusion of investigations, the suspects are expected to be charged with offences under Forestry Act, Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act and Section 120(b) of the Environmental Management Act No. 12 of 2011, relating to the unlawful possession of biological resources.

The State also intends to institute proceedings under the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act No. 19 of 2010 seeking the forfeiture of the seized trucks, timber-processing equipment, timber and any other property liable to forfeiture under the Act.

The seizure marks another significant milestone in the Government’s efforts to combat environmental crime and protect Zambia’s forest resources from illegal exploitation. The unlawful harvesting and trafficking of Rose wood continue to pose a serious threat to biodiversity, sustainable forest management and national economic interests.

Investigations into the matter remain ongoing, including further interviews, verification of documentation and other investigative processes.

The Department of Forestry has urged all individuals and businesses engaged in the timber trade to ensure full compliance with the law by maintaining the requisite licences and documentation for the harvesting, transportation, possession and trade of forest produce. Members of the public are reminded that failure to comply with the law may result in criminal prosecution and forfeiture proceedings where appropriate.

The National Prosecution Authority remains committed to working closely with law enforcement and regulatory agencies to ensure that environmental offences are effectively prosecuted and that persons found to have contravened the law are brought before the courts in accordance with due process.