By Arnold Tutu
Kikonge Gold Mine in Mufumbwe District, North Western Province is now free of illegal miners following a joint security operation led by the Zambia Army.
Zambia Army Commander and Central Joint Operations Committee -CJOC- Chairperson, Lieutenant General GEOFFREY ZYEELE says the operation successfully cleared the mining area by midday yesterday.
General ZYEELE says Zambia Army Commandos also shut down the notorious Swahiri and Ukraine markets, which were operating illegally within the mining zone and run by illegal immigrants.
He explains that most illegal miners left the area voluntarily after earlier warnings, while those who resisted fled upon seeing the Commandos.
The Army Commander says security forces will remain in Kikonge to maintain law and order and create a safe environment for legal mining activities.
He adds that the Ministry of Mines will later guide on how mining operations should be conducted lawfully.
The operation involves the Zambia Army, the Zambia Air Force, the Drug Enforcement Commission, Immigration Department and other security agencies.
And General ZYEELE has warned illegal miners against attempting to return, saying anyone found in the area will be forcibly removed.
He confirms that the operation recorded no casualties and remains incident-free.
Security forces confiscated various tools and materials used in illegal mining and other criminal activities, along with abandoned equipment.
General ZYEELE says all confiscated and abandoned items will not be returned, as they are linked to criminal activities, adding that outstanding matters will be handled in accordance with the law.
He further states that similar operations will continue across the country.
(Story/credit The Zambia Army/Zambia Air Force)
