By Arnold Tutu
The Zambia Army has ordered illegal miners in the Lower Zambezi in Siavonga District to vacate the area immediately or face forced eviction.
Army Commander, Lieutenant General GEOFFREY ZYEELE, says the directive forms part of intensified efforts to curb illegal mining.
General ZYEELE states that security forces are ready to enforce the order and remove illegal miners across the country if they fail to comply.
Speaking during a tour of the Lower Zambezi river line in the Moomba area of Siavonga District, the Army Commander described illegal mining as an economic crime.
He noted that such activities pose a serious threat to the nation’s economic development and security, as illegal mining often attracts other criminal behaviour.
General ZYEELE warned that the Army has spoken firmly for long enough, and that some individuals now appear to be inviting harsher measures.
He said those acting with impunity risk carrying lifelong memories of the military in their lives.
General ZYEELE stated that the Zambia Army, together with other security wings, remains committed to safeguarding the country’s natural resources and ensuring that those involved in illegal mining or other offences are brought before the law.
Siavonga District Commissioner GEOFFREY JAKOPO thanked the Army Commander and the Service Chiefs for their swift action, pledging to work closely with the security wings.
Mr. JAKOPO said he will support the Defence and Security wings in enforcing the directive, noting that those who refuse to leave will face the full force of the law.
General ZYEELE was accompanied by Zambia Air Force Commander, Lieutenant General OSCAR NYONI, senior officers from the Zambia Army and Zambia Air Force, as well as representatives from the Zambia Police and the Immigration Department.
(Images credit Zambia Army)
