9 Amazing People Organize Fake Funerals With Coffins and Mourners Hauling Coal

Authorities have launched a search for about nine people who organized a fake funeral procession to transport illegal charcoal
Officers at the roadblock discovered an empty coffin containing about 30 sacks of charcoal, worth about KSh 222,872, hidden under the ground
If found guilty of the crime, the suspects could be jailed for up to five years or pay a hefty fine

Charcoal burning is common in some African countries and has been declared illegal.

At least nine people are on the run after they were caught transporting charcoal in a hearse. Photo: Independent/Times360 Malawi.
Source: Facebook

For example in Malawi, where it contributes to the rapid destruction of forests. Due to this situation, some charcoal traders have developed innovative methods to transport the illegal product throughout the country.

Over the weekend, at least nine people were caught at a roadblock while transporting illegal charcoal disguised as a funeral procession.

Malawian forestry officials, who described the incident as the country’s most complex human trafficking scheme on record, said a vehicle carrying the contraband was stopped at a police roadblock.

How did forest officials in Malawi expose the smugglers?

Their capture came after concerned citizens alerted the Chikwawa District Forestry Office about a suspicious caravan pretending to be mourners.

After inspecting the hearse, officers discovered an empty coffin and about 30 large bags of charcoal, covered with a green carpet usually used during funerals and hidden under the coffin.

The charcoal is estimated to be worth 3 million Malawian Kwacha (approximately KSh 222,872). William Mitembe, the deputy director of forests in the southern region, said the people accompanying the hearse were singing like mourners attending a burial ceremony to avoid suspicion.

It was only during the inspection that the officers opened the box and found it empty. The suspects, who were detained for a short time, are said to have escaped custody and left the hearse that was detained.

According to Reuters, the suspects face up to five years in prison or a fine if they are found guilty in court.

Netizens are talking about the coal transport incident in Malawi

Netizens responded with humor, disbelief and criticism, highlighting issues such as deforestation, electricity shortages and the lack of alternative heating methods.

Athi Cheddar Tyeda: “In the past, Malawians and Tanzanians were known as garden boys and kitchen girls; these days we hear such dangerous stories.”

Alex Kamakoko: “People were singing like a funeral procession! That part must be out of a movie. I wish I could see their faces.”

Fortunate Phiri: “Since I started cooking with electricity, I have noticed that it is cheaper than charcoal. If there was no problem with power outages, and if more than 80 percent of Malawians were connected to the National Grid, there would be no cry for deforestation due to charcoal.”

Humph Rey: “If all this trouble was with a bang, it would make sense, but hang on? Come on, guys, put this creative idea to good use.”

Tshepo Tokoloho Mokgosi: “Where do I think they are running to? Banana Republic. Which begs the question: what alternatives have been provided for the people for their heating needs?”