POLICE reinforcements from the Mobile Unit have successfully dispersed more than 25,000 illegal gold miners who had invaded the gold-rich Kikonge area of Mufumbwe District in North Western Province.
The mass dispersal follows a high level security operation led by Defence Minister Ambrose Lufuma, who toured the area yesterday alongside his counterpart, Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister Jack Mwiimbu, other senior government officials and defence chiefs.
A check at the notorious “Old Pit” and “Chief’s Pit” showed that the illegal miners had vacated the area, fleeing to nearby bushlands and communities after the police operation intensified.
According to a statement, Ministry of Defence principal public relations officer Paul Shalala and his Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security counterpart Mwala Kalaluka, Lufuma warned that government would not allow lawlessness in Kikonge.
He added that the presence of illegal miners posed not only a security threat but also a public health risk and source of potential social conflict.
The minister lamented the environmental degradation caused by the uncontrolled mining, with deep pits scarring the landscape just 21 kilometres from Mufumbwe Boma.
He added that illegal mining was robbing government of much needed revenue and causing long term damage to the ecosystem.
And Mwiimbu revealed that over 20 vehicles, more than 100 scanning devices and gold detectors and five firearms, some of them military grade, had been seized during the operation.
He added that further police reinforcements would be deployed to the area to ensure complete clearance and enforcement of the cordon.
Mwiimbu also instructed officers on the ground to remove any lingering individuals still attempting to access the Kikonge gold fields.
North Western Province Minister Robert Lihefu urged local residents to refrain from illegal mining and instead work with government to establish regulated and community benefiting mining activities.
The ministerial delegation also included Zambia Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Oscar Nyoni, Zambia National Service Deputy Commander Major General Reuben Mwewa, Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba, Zambia Correctional Service Commissioner General Frederick Chilukutu, and Zambia Army Chief of Operations Brigadier General Barry Mutale.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, July 7, 2025
