Opposition Green Party leader, Peter Sinkamba, has condemned the fatal shootings of informal miners in the Kikonge area of Mufumbwe District, following recent clashes with the police.
Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu, confirmed that two illegal miners were killed when police clashed with the said illegal miners in an effort to restore order to the area.
Speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka today, Mr. Sinkamba expressed disappointment over government’s use of lethal force in handling the situation.
“It is unacceptable for government to resort to firearms when dealing with unarmed citizens because these small-scale miners are simply trying to earn a living,” said Mr. Sinkamba.
Mr. Sinkamba drew comparisons to the Black Mountain in Kitwe, where illegal mining activities were regularized rather than violently suppressed.
He called for a similar approach in Mufumbwe, advocating for the formalization of miners instead of punitive measures.
By Christabel Kamunu
