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Defence Minister, Ambrose Lufuma, has led a high-level defence and security delegation to Mufumbwe District in North-Western Province to assess the escalating security situation at Kikonge Gold Mine, where clashes between illegal miners and law enforcement have reportedly turned deadly.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by Ministry of Defence Principal Public Relations Officer, Paul Shalala, the visit follows days of unrest and running battles between illegal miners and security personnel.
The Zambia Police Service has since sent reinforcements to the area to restore law and order.
Lufuma was accompanied by Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister Jack Mwiimbu, North-Western Province Minister Robert Lihefu, Zambia Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Oscar Nyoni, Zambia National Service Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff Major General Reuben Mwewa, and other senior officials.
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Also part of the delegation were Zambia Army Chief of Operations, Brigadier General Barry Mutale, Inspector General of Police Graphael Musamba, and Zambia Correctional Service Commissioner General Frederick Chilukutu.
Shalala said the visit is part of the government’s broader strategy to address illegal mining activities, following last week’s Cabinet approval for the deployment of defence and security forces to all mining hotspots across the country.
“The aim is to restore order and bring sanity to areas with mineral deposits,” Shalala stated.
However, disturbing reports have emerged indicating that unaccounted number of youths involved in illegal mining have died during clashes with security forces.
Graphic images of injured and deceased individuals have surfaced on social media, sparking public outrage and calls from stakeholders for government intervention.
Stakeholders are urging authorities to restrain security personnel and adopt humane and inclusive measures to formalize artisanal mining, rather than resorting to excessive force that risks further loss of life.
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