Скачать или смотреть Kikonge Mine in Mufumbwe Cleared of Illegal Miners

Kikonge Mine in Mufumbwe Cleared of Illegal Miners

The Central Joint Operations Committee (CJOC) Chairperson and Commander of the Zambia Army, Lieutenant General Geoffrey Choongo Zyeele, has confirmed to the nation that by 12:00 hours today, Kikonge Gold Mine in Mufumbwe District was successfully cleared of all illegal miners.

Lieutenant General Zyeele stated that Zambia Army Commandos also shut down the notorious Swahiri and Ukraine markets, which were being operated by illegal immigrants within the mining area.

He revealed that most illegal miners left voluntarily following his earlier warning of severe consequences should they fail to comply. Those who initially resisted reportedly fled upon sight of the Commandos.

The Commander emphasized that security forces will remain in the area to create a conducive conditions for lawful mining.

Thereafter, the Ministry of Mines will provide guidance on how mining operations should be conducted legally.

The operation was a joint exercise involving the Zambia Army, Zambia Air Force, Drug Enforcement Commission, Immigration, and other security agencies.

Lieutenant General Zyeele further warned illegal miners against attempting to return to Kikonge, stressing that anyone found will be forcibly evicted.

He confirmed that the operation was incident-free, with no casualties recorded. During the exercise, assorted materials and equipment used in illegal mining and criminal activities were confiscated, while abandoned items were also collected.

The Commander clarified that all confiscated and abandoned equipment will not be returned, as they were used to facilitate criminal activities.

Any remaining matters will be handled and disposed of by the CJOC in accordance with the law, and that similar operations will continue.

©️ The Zambia Army