United Party for National Development (UPND) Media Director Mark Simuuwe has warned that illegal gold mining activities in Mufumbwe District have escalated into a serious national security concern, citing the presence of armed miners and undocumented foreign nationals operating around the Kikonge mine area.
Simuuwe said intelligence and security operations in the area have revealed that some illegal miners are in possession of weapons believed to be of military origin, creating risks not only for law enforcement officers but also for local communities living near mining zones.
He explained that the deployment of the Zambia Army to Mufumbwe was based on security assessments that indicated the situation had moved beyond routine policing and required a stronger intervention.
“The reason the army was being dispatched was that the issue had become dangerous, as suspected foreign nationals were supplying illegal miners with military weapons,” Simuuwe said.
He defended the government’s decision to involve the military, arguing that the presence of armed groups in remote mining areas presents a threat to state authority, border security, and public safety.
Simuuwe also responded to criticism from opposition figures who questioned why the police were not left to handle the matter alone. Among those who raised concerns was New Heritage Party president Chishala Kateka, who suggested that law enforcement agencies should have managed the situation without military involvement.
According to Simuuwe, similar military deployments were carried out under previous administrations when illegal mining and related security threats intensified. He cited former President Edgar Lungu’s past decisions to send soldiers into mining areas when circumstances were deemed serious.
“Even former Republican President Edgar Lungu deployed soldiers when the issue was considered a serious security matter,” he said.
He described Mufumbwe as a sensitive zone due to the high number of undocumented foreign nationals reportedly involved in illegal mining operations. He added that authorities have already recovered weapons from suspects during recent security operations.
“The situation in North-Western Province, particularly Mufumbwe, is delicate because of undocumented foreigners in the area,” Simuuwe said. “Weapons have been recovered, and this confirms that the threat is real.”
He warned political leaders against turning the matter into a partisan contest, saying the priority should be safeguarding national sovereignty, community safety, and the integrity of Zambia’s mineral resources.
“This is not about politics. It is about the country’s sovereignty and the safety of citizens,” he said.
Simuuwe further argued that illegal mining is no longer only an economic issue but is increasingly linked to organised crime, cross-border networks, and security risks. He said unchecked illegal mining could destabilise communities, fuel violence, and undermine lawful mining investments.
He also stated that the government’s broader strategy is to secure strategic mineral zones, protect legitimate investors, and curb revenue losses caused by illegal extraction. In his view, illegal mining contributes to environmental damage, criminal financing, and exploitation of vulnerable workers.
As of January 25, 2026, Zambia Army operations in Mufumbwe remain ongoing, with joint patrols reportedly involving the military, immigration officers, and police units. Security checkpoints have been established along key routes leading to mining areas, and authorities continue to screen individuals suspected of being in the country illegally.
While the Ministry of Defence and Zambia Police Service had not issued detailed public statements at the time of reporting, local sources confirmed that arrests have been made in connection with illegal mining activities. Some confiscated weapons are said to include firearms and ammunition restricted to authorised security agencies.
Simuuwe concluded by calling on political leaders and the public to support national efforts aimed at restoring order in mineral-rich areas and dismantling criminal networks operating in the shadows of Zambia’s mining sector.
But what is the plan beyond dispersal of the illegal miners? That part is easy. What then will happen, will it become a restricted area or will miners be allowed to operate or will it be sold to foreign mining companies? What is the plan here
Most of these people talking on these miners do not even have the mandate. In this country, people in some positions want to show relevance. Him and the other guy are not even supposed to comment on such.
Everyone has the mandate to say what they think includes you. Look around Africa all the long running disputes is to do with minerals with religion and tribes as excuse. The government is right before it gets out of hand in both lives and environmental cost.
Arrest the providers of those unlicensed fire arms
Friendly advice to the impotent UPND media team, it would be good if you concentrated on issues to do with your dwinding party fortunes. Mines have experts who can tell us what is happening there. Not you and not any other person apart from mines experts
I agree especially that PF cost of living was relatively better than what we are going through. These have brought upon us the highest cost of living. So loadshedding is gone, carefully planned that we will spend on power in an election year as Zambians have short memories. Sorry we have long memories, and the memory is always sharp in the exam room, in the polling center, in the booth
Partisanship they should be arrested for spreading lies. Miles is the cooler for this
Do you need an expert to guide you through these illegal miners? As governing party they have the responsibility to control the country’s mineral resources. If many Zambians benefited from previous government WHY VOTED PF OUT??
Iwe ka Indepent Cadre.Minning experts do not know what an AK47 assault rifle looks like or even am RPG.Armed men at Kikonge are using granades to blast rock.Left alone ,rival crime syndicates can turn such weapons against each other then recruit unemployed Zambian youths to do the fighting.Before matters reach those levels,the army must exterminate the armed foreign natiomals bringing weapons from war-torn eastern DRC…Shaaa!!
What country is supplying these weapons???
Police armoury or Army ???? Who knows
Is it even trure ??
Chishala Kateka, security concerns matters and not just your opinion. They have been on the ground to access the situation. That’s why we need the military. Why do you have to be political on every matter.
Nkana, please note that it is not access but assess. But with the visible failure of the UPND, there is nothing to assess
@Grumutu Sililo, brain fog and selfish blindness affects in so many ways when it comes to data analytics and assessment. Hopefully you’re not suffering from either.
Nkana, just appreciate the correction somebody has given you please.
Who is Simuwe to spread such lies when he is nowhere near ZP or ACC operations?
Please arrest him because Miles Sampa is rotting in the cells for similar claims.
He just wants to start a xenophobic war. Evidence baba evidence
Simuuwe is probably right. This is what happens when you start allowing Israel and US to have any involvement in your country. They will bring confusion, conflict and death. Thats why the US is also pushing for mineral rights
We Africans are already confused without outsiders help
When we have been taken to the cleaners maybe then we will wake up
60 years down the line we still believe the dribble being fed us
@Independent…. only someone suffering from a disease called, ‘severe ignorance’ would wish PF back into power.Who doesn’t know your very kinsmen and women who once ruled us at one time defaulted in paying back the money they borrowed which even attracted penalties and put pressure on the economy today.Those economically illiterates expect overnight prosperity after years of mismanagement by your pf.
All those weapons can be traced to their origin, holding both the suppliers and the buyers accountable…
Guyz aya ama foreign illegle miners alikwata ifyanso ifikali ifingaonaula icalo cesu nama bomu alikwata thus why muleumfwa ati bakapokola nabafwa. Apa nomba ama lordge nama guest house nayesula fye ama foreiners ku mufumbwe town bambi nababutukila mu forest, government is right