Police act to curb illegal tin mining
POLICE in Zimba have been instructed to intensify patrols and arrest illegal miners to curb the scourge.
Southern Province Police Commissioner Diamond Likashi said he had directed officers to immediately go on the ground to arrest perpetrators of illegal mining.
Mr Likashi said officers would ensure that perpetrators were brought to book to end the illegality in the area.
He also instructed the officers to work with Zimba district administration to identify all areas where the illegalities were taking place.
Mr Likashi assured government that officers would not spare anyone who would be found wanting.
“I am in the meeting with my officers right now and I have instructed the officers to intensify patrols in Zimba. The officers will work with the district administration office to identify areas were such acts are taking place,” Mr Likashi said.
Mines and Mineral Development Minister Richard Musukwa instructed the police to arrest illegal miners in Zimba as they were preventing the country from earning revenue.
The minister’s directive follows revelations that Zambia was losing about US$400 from the illegal mining of tin in Zimba.
Mr Musukwa told Daily Nation recently that there were many foreign nationals involved in illegal exploration of tin and that those caught should face the wrath of the law.