THE Human Rights Commission (HRC) has condemned the recent deaths in Mufumbwe district, where a violent clash between illegal gold miners and security personnel reportedly resulted in multiple fatalities.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DbAhDnM5G/?mibextid=oFDknk
HRC’s denouncement comes as details emerge of a confrontation at the Kikonge Gold Mine on July 6, 2025, which claimed three lives and left eleven police officers injured.
HRC Spokesperson Mweelwa Muleya described the incident as deeply distressing and called for immediate and thorough investigations.
“The loss of life is an immense tragedy, demanding a thorough investigation to establish the sequence of events and hold accountable those responsible for the loss of life,” Muleya stated.
He also implored all parties involved to exercise restraint and prioritise peaceful resolution.
“Violence only begets more violence, and it is never the answer to any dispute,” stated Muleya.
The three deceased individuals are believed to have been part of a group of informal miners who reportedly stormed the Kikonge Gold Mine on June 3, 2025, forcing their way into police-controlled zones established to curb unlawful mining activities.
The subsequent violent encounter on July 6 not only claimed three lives but also resulted in injuries to eleven police officers.
In response to the violent clash and the potential risks posed by illegal mining, Minister of Defense Ambrose Lufuma issued an urgent directive for all illegal miners to vacate the area without delay.
Lufuma affirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Zambia’s natural resources and maintaining peace and security.
He also expressed concern over the role of foreign individuals in fueling the illegal mining surge, stressing the need to address this issue promptly to avoid a destabilizing effect on the country.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts, the HRC specifically urged security personnel to exercise restraint and avoid excessive force during operations to ensure the protection of life.
“The use of force by security personnel should be proportional to the situation and must prioritise the preservation of life,” Muleya emphasised.
“The right to life is inviolable and must be upheld by law enforcement agencies.”
Muleya further reminded security personnel of their responsibility to protect citizens’ lives, even in the face of challenges.
“Excessive force must never be tolerated, as it undermines the fundamental human right to life and creates an atmosphere of fear and mistrust,” added Muleya.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba July 9, 2025
