Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General Geoffrey Zyeele has ordered all illegal gold miners and undocumented immigrants to vacate Chief Shikabeta’s chiefdom in Rufunsa District following a surge in unlawful mining activities.
General Zyeele said troops have since been deployed to the area to restore order, warning that no mining will be permitted until the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development re-establishes control.
He noted that the illegal operations have led to rising criminal activities, including drug dealing, posing a threat to national security.
“The situation requires firm control. Illegal mining is not only unlawful but also deprives the country of much-needed revenue,” he said after touring the affected sites.
Meanwhile, Sheal Mulyata, who is also Rufunsa Member of Parliament, said the continued illegal extraction of minerals is undermining Zambia’s ability to benefit from its natural resources.
She stressed that government remains committed to ensuring that all mining activities are conducted within the law to support sustainable development.
And Rufunsa District Commissioner Richard Mabena commended both the Army command and government officials for engaging local communities on the dangers associated with illegal mining.
I suppose they too want their share ?
How does the Army Commander become the Police Chief and the PS for administrative purposes? Are we now in a military government? If the man wants to be speaking on home affairs issues, let him become the Police Chief or Spokesperson. We have had several Army Commanders and they have been sober and follow their duties and Jobe descriptions. What is wrong with this one kanshi? Few days ago he was threatening violence to the youth in Chingola. Please HH tame your rabid dog.
As if it’s only him out of line following in ECL footsteps
So has the army taken over internal security of the country? Has there been a coup which we dont know anything about and we have now become a military state. Then you might as well fire all the police officers starting with IG.
Beware what you wish for ? as it could well happen in August
The army is now the solution. Army at Rufunsa, army at Kikonge, army at Kasenseli, army at UNZA.
I’m sure Traore is looking and laughing saying “just come out in the open. You are a military government like me”