By GIDEON NYENDWA
POLICE have shot and wounded two suspected cadres who had invaded a Mopani Mine on the Copperbelt, Inspector General of Police Lemmy Kajoba has said.
Mr Kajoba said the police are concerned with the growing criminality of youths raiding and invading mines.
Earlier this month, UPND cadres invaded a Kitwe mine and it took police 48 hours to remove them after negotiations failed.
The cadres have been mounting pressure for empowerment and have resorted to invading mining areas to earn a living.
However, Mr Kajoba has warned that this practice would not be tolerated and his officers are alert.
He said police have noted with concern the growing tendency of criminality amongst youths who are raiding and ransacking mining areas with impunity.
Mr Kajoba, in a statement issued yesterday observed with concern the rising trend of criminality amongst youths who are raiding and ransacking mining areas with impunity in the name of caderism with no due regard for the law.
Mr. Kajoba said on December 16, 2021, in Mufulira police received a report of criminal trespass to the effect that two boys aged 17 and 15 who were in the company of other criminals forcefully entered the sink hole, a restricted area of Mopani Copper Mines where they conducted illegal mining activities.
He said when confronted by police, the group became unruly and began attacking the police officers which prompted officers to fire warning shots but the group became even more violent and continued charging towards officers.
Mr. Kajoba said in the process of the confrontation two suspects were shot and sustained bullet wounds on their right legs.
He said the two suspects have since been admitted at Ronald Ross hospital.
Mr. Kajoba said the tendency of undertaking illegalities in the name of “jerabos” must stop and will not be tolerated by the police.
Mr. Kajoba said it was important for youths and the public to respect people’s property because it is a serious criminal offence to ransack legally established property owned by others.
He said those who have a strong urge to undertake mining activities are advised to follow normal channels by legalising their business ventures.
“Illegal mining activities should not be taken as a new normal,” he said.
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