Kasempa Member of Parliament, Brenda Tambatamba, has clarified that no deaths or serious injuries occurred among the miners that were evacuated from a mine in Kasempa of Northwestern Province, contrary to social media reports.
There have been reports in some sections of social media, including from Former President, Edgar Lungu, who wrote and expressed displeasure at what he called scenes of chaos, brutality, bloodshed, fear and violence on the miners by the police.
But Ms. Tambatamba, who is also Labor and Social Security Minister says no live bullets were fired by the Police during the clamp down on illegal miners in Kasempa.
Speaking at Press Briefing in Lusaka today, Ms. Tambatamba appealed for responsibility from among social media users, saying it is illegal to alarm the nation on purpose.
“There is no funeral in Kasempa contrary to social media reports,” said Ms. Tambatamba.
Meanwhile, Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe said the removal of illegal miners in Kasempa was normal police work to stop illegal mining.
Mr. Kabuswe warned of further clampdown of illegal mining across the country, saying the current has zero tolerance on illegal activities.
By Eva Hatontola
