The Zambia Police in Solwezi has arrested 16 miners from Kansashi Mine, who were found in possession of 1701.6 grams of Suspected Gold concentrate.
Police Spokesperson, Esther Katongo told Money FM News in a statement, that on Monday 11th September 2020, police received a tip-off from members of the public who suspected some people to have been conducting illegal business from a house belonging to M-Valeta Ramon.
Ms. Katongo said Police then visited the said premises and intercepted four motor vehicles driving in and out of the premises, adding that sixteen illegal miners were apprehended at different times with respective grams of suspected Gold concentrate while three other people were caught in the act of smelting the suspected Gold concentrate.
“Police in Solwezi have arrested 16 miners from Kansashi Mine, who were found in possession of 1701.6 grams of Suspected Gold concentrate, it is alleged that on Monday 11th September 2020, police received a tip-off from members of the public that who suspected some people to have been conducting illegal business from a house belonging to M-Valeta Ramon,” Ms Katongo said.
She stated that 15 Gas cylinders, 13 kilograms of Gold concentrate, 48 pieces of suspected pure gold weighing 242.12 grams, cash money amounting to K413, 520, 3×20 liters of acid and two Scales were recovered.
Ms Katongo further said the total number of suspects arrested in the Gold scandal is 20, including the owner of the house who surrendered himself to the police.
“16 illegal miners were apprehended at different times with respective grams of suspected Gold concentrate while 3 other people were caught in the act of smelting the suspected Gold concentrate,” she said.
The Police Spokesperson explained that four of the suspects have been charged for the offence of fraudulently dealing in Minerals without a License while 16 have been charged for being found in possession of property believed to have been stolen or unlawfully obtained.
“The suspects will appear in court soon, 4 have been charged for the offence of fraudulently dealing in Minerals without a License while 16 have been charged for being found in possession of property believed to have been stolen or unlawfully obtained.”