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Zambia has lost more more than 100 lives through illegal mining since 2023, Parliament heard through a ministerial statement delivered by Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister Jack Mwiimbu on Thursday.
Mwiimbu said in 2024, nine miners died in Chongwe District, 38 in Chingola and 27 in Mumbwa as a result of illegal mining
In a ministerial statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday, Mwiimbu stated that eight miners also died in Mufumbwe when the trench collapsed on them.
“The safety and security of the community is government’s top priority and it will not tolerate any form of criminal activity,” Mwiimbu warned.
He added the Police Officers would continue to work closely with other law enforcement agencies to prevent and combat crime and to ensure that the communities remained safe and secure places for all.
Meanwhile, Mwiimbu announced that a total of 12 Police Officers were injured during the Mufumbwe incident after they were attacked by irate mob of illegal miners.
“The house may wish to note that over 50,000 illegal miners had descended on the site to partake in the illegal gold mining activities,” he claimed.
Mwiimbu stated that police attempted to restore order by using teargas canisters and rubber bullets but the mob continued to charge on the officers
He further claimed that warning shots were fired to restore order but that the mob became unruly and continued to attack the officers with offensive weapons.
“In an effort to disperse the mob, three people were shot in the legs and sustained gunshot wounds. They later died due to what is believed to be excessive bleeding,” Mwiimbu stated.
He noted that all the injured police officers were now out of danger except two who were still admitted in hospital.
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