SPEAKER of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti has directed Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister Jack Mwiimbu to issue a ministerial statement today on the recent fatal confrontation between police and illegal miners at Kikonge Gold Mine in Mufumbwe District, Northwestern Province.
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This follows growing national concern over the incident, which has left three people dead and 11 others injured.
“You may be aware that over the past few days, there have been reports that confrontations erupted at Kikonge Gold Mine in Mufumbwe between alleged illegal miners and the police, which unfortunately led to the loss of lives,” said Mutti.
“I therefore permit the Honourable Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security to give a ministerial statement on the happenings in Mufumbwe, NorthWestern Province.”
The incident occurred on June 3, 2025, when a group of illegal miners stormed the restricted mine area and allegedly overpowered security barriers set up by the police to curb unlawful mining.
It is reported that the police initially attempted to control the situation by using tear gas and rubber bullets, but when the crowd continued to push forward, officers opened live fire as an act of self defence.
Two of the victims reportedly died while being transported to the hospital, while a third body was discovered the following day and five police officers were also injured in the clash with two of them left in a critical condition.
Mwiimbu confirmed that the area remained tense but had since calmed down following a police reinforcement. He said no deaths were recorded in the days following the initial incident and that operations to restore order were ongoing.
He further disclosed that over 20 vehicles, more than 100 scanning machines and gold detectors and five firearms, some of them military grade had been seized from the illegal miners.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, July 10, 2025
