IG MUSAMBA WARNS ILLEGAL MINERS, TO VACATE CERNTRAL PROVINCE SITES.
The warning was issued on Mr. Musamba’s behalf by Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations Fred Hamaamba during inspections of illegal mining activities in Mkushi and Chitambo Districts.
Mr. Hamaamba said the Police Command would increase deployments to affected areas and would not allow individuals to exploit mineral resources without the required legal documentation and authorisation.
“The Police have a duty to protect mineral deposits from being exploited by illegal miners. A permanent solution will be devised, and more Police officers will be deployed to the area to stop the illegality,” he said.
He also cautioned illegal miners against returning to the affected areas, saying the sites were unsafe and continued mining could result in serious injuries or loss of life.
Mr. Hamaamba further urged miners to desist from entering or working in the areas without appropriate protective clothing and other required safety measures, warning that such practices exposed them to avoidable risks.
The warning follows an accident at Mulaushi Mine in the Katikulula Resettlement Area on August 29, 2026, in which four illegal miners died after being trapped at the mining site.
Mr. Makwelele said Police, however, arrested 29 illegal miners who allegedly continued operating in the area without documentation.
“After the accident, we managed to chase everyone from the area, but a few people kept mining without documentation. We arrested 29 illegal miners who are currently in Police custody,” he said.
He warned those removed from the area against returning, saying doing so could expose them to further accidents and other life-threatening hazards.
Meanwhile, Mkushi Police Station Officer-in-Charge Judith Mfune said the district had recorded an increase in illegal mining activities, particularly during the just-ended election period.
Ms. Mfune said the District Joint Operations Committee had been conducting joint operations to curb illegal mining in the district.
“As the District Joint Operations Committee (DJOC), we have been conducting joint operations aimed at stopping these illegal activities,” she said.
Police have since urged illegal miners to vacate affected areas and refrain from returning without the necessary legal documentation and authorisation.