NATION REPORTER
ABOUT 25,000 illegal gold miners have been dispersed from the Kikonge area in Mufumbwe District, North-Western Province, following a major security operation led by police from the Kamfinsa Mobile Unit and supported by defence forces.
A high-level delegation of Cabinet Ministers, led by Defence Minister Ambrose Lufuma, visited both the Kikonge Old Pit and the Chief’s Pit, confirming that illegal miners had scattered to nearby areas in the wake of the security crackdown.
Mr. Lufuma described the illegal mining activities as a grave national concern, citing both security and public health risks.“We cannot allow lawlessness in Kikonge.
These activities are not just a health hazard but they are also a recipe for conflict and social instability,” he said.The Minister announced that a 120-kilometre radius around the Kikonge area has been cordoned off by defence and security personnel to prevent any resurgence of illegal activity.
“The pits left behind have scarred the landscape and destroyed the environment. We want a structured and regulated mining operation that benefits the entire nation,” Mr. Lufuma said.
Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu, revealed that during the operation, authorities confiscated more than 20 vehicles, 100 scanning machines and gold detectors, and five firearms, including military-grade weapons from the illegal miners.“It is alarming that some of these illegal miners were armed with military weapons.
This shows the level of organisation and the threat these operations pose,” Mr. Mwiimbu said.
He also confirmed that five police officers had been injured during riots sparked by the crackdown and were currently receiving medical attention.
“This is a matter of national concern. More reinforcements will be sent to Mufumbwe to ensure the illegal mining threat is eliminated. We are not leaving anything to chance,” he said.Mr. Mwiimbu has instructed police to ensure that no remnants of the illegal miners remain in the area, stressing that Kikonge must now be fully secured.
North-Western Province Minister Robert Lihefu appealed to local residents to stop engaging in illegal mining and instead collaborate with the government to formalise their activities.
“Mining can only benefit the community if it is well organised.
We encourage people to work with the government so they can mine legally and safely,” said Mr. Lihefu.
