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PIGG’S PEAK – Timber theft continues to be a concern for the forestry industry.

Sikhumbuzo Solomon Tsabedze was charged with theft, after he allegedly stole 214 logs of timber. The logs are said to have been at an area known as B3. The logs were valued at E21 400.

Tsabedze appeared before Magistrate Sakhele Hlophe yesterday for the theft. He is said to have committed the offence on July 30, 2022. The logs were in the possession of Ephraim Mndzebele. He told the magistrate that he was not fully employed but was working on a project for financial gain. He further said he was a cattle herder and asked that he could be granted bail that he could be able to pay.

Tsabedze was granted bail at E500 and was warned to abide by the conditions of same including ensuring that he did not interfere with witnesses or abscond trial.

Concern

Meanwhile, the incident happened at a time when last Friday Peak Timbers Risk Manager Nhlanhla Nxumalo, expressed concern about the theft of timber. His statement came two days before this specific theft.

Nxumalo said timber theft caused a negative impact on the industry. He said the forestry industry played a huge role in the economic development of the country as it was a large contributor to the national gross domestic product *'P .

He also said theft made it difficult for the company to continue with its community service, such as giving to schools. He said the theft of timber ate into the company¶s earnings and made it hard to donate to learning institutions or other community development initiatives.

Nxumalo was speaking during the launch of a E120 000 partnership in which 12 schools received E10 000 each for building materials.