STOP NIGHT DEALS

THE reported incident in which a resident of Mwinilunga has lost about K39, 000 in a botched deal involving gold must be a wake-up call to Zambians.

It is a stark reminder that tricksters are on the loose looking for gullible prey who want to lay their hands on gold and strike it rich.

In the Mwinilunga incident, North-Western Province Commissioner of Police Joe Njase yesterday confirmed how the Mwinilunga Town Council Secretary, Mr Kennedy Kazanda, has been swindled out of K39, 900 by unidentified people.

This was after he was cheated that they would give him alluvial gold but later disappeared with the money on Monday night.

While we sympathise with Mr Kazanda that he lost so much money, we should also be quick to ask him how he allowed himself to be a victim of such a trick. It is obvious to all that he fell right into the criminals’ hands.

How could he allow himself to be transacting such serious business in the night if it was being done above board?

According to Mr Njase, “the incident was reported by the victim himself that his money amounting to K39, 900 was falsely obtained by persons he can identify if seen.

“And this occurred on Monday around 21:00 hours in a low density area.”

It is quite clear that Mr Kazanda had put his life at great risk by agreeing to meet people who he did not know well enough.

He admitted that he could recognise them if he was to meet them again. But the chances of meeting them again are slim considering that they are not “honest brokers.”

People like Mr Kazanda should heed Mr Njase’s advice for the public to stop dealing in illegal activities because that would put their property and life at risk from criminal-minded persons.

“People should know and understand that the motivating factor to get rich quickly is in fact a serious foundation of breach to national development,” he said.

Mr Kazanda as a senior government employee must be aware that the North-Western Province has been invaded by foreigners since the “discovery” of gold.

Government has even sent in more reinforcements to ensure that the gold fields particularly in Mwinilunga are protected from illegal gold miners.

And by virtue of his position, Mr Kazanda’s conduct must always be above board and not involve himself in activities that border on criminal activities.

We are sure that Mr Kazanda is not the only person who has been swindled by bogus gold dealers. There are others who have suffered similar misfortune but have not reported to the police.

We wish to advise people that the government has not barred any Zambian from gold mining activities. All they must do is follow the right channels and legalise their businesses.

They do not have to risk their lives by meeting strangers in the night when they could easily transact during the day.

In fact, we hope the police will grill Mr Kazanda and let him explain his involvement in gold mining – whether legal or otherwise.

PURSUING JUSTICE AND EQUITY WITH INTERGRITY