Hichilema Cracks Down on Illegal Mining as Former Minister Among 19 Arrested and Charged

A group of 19 that includes a former Minister and Police Commissioner have been arrested and charged with engaging in illegal mining activities in an operation known as “SugiGate”. Among the charges they face include carrying out mining operations without a licence and conveying unlawfully acquired property.

According to Rae Hamoonga, police spokesperson, the accused are alleged to have conducted these illegal mining activities in the Muombe Mine area of Chembe District, Luapula Province, in the weeks between 4 January 2023 and 13 February 2023. It is reported that they extracted roughly 23 tonnes of Sugilite Mineral Ore during this period, all without the appropriate licence. They then organised for its transportation from Chembe to the Kapiri Mpposhi district.  

The accused include the Hon. Derricky Chilundika, former Minister for Luapula Province, and Glora Cheelo Mulele, Police Commissioner for Northern Province. The group also includes prominent UPND  individuals such as Nelson Kalembwe, UPND Youth Chairperson for Luapula Province, Jones Nkandu, UPND Provincial Youth Leader, JerryJustin Bwalya, Acting UPND Provincial Chairperson, and Obbrey Simauki, Provincial UPND Youth Secretary.

Several members of the police force are also among the accused, namely Police Constable Sydney Mulongwe, Police Constable Simon Chiwala, Police Chief Inspector Masauso Jere, and Police Sergeant Mulenga Chilufya.

President Hichilema promptly fired Chilundika after his involvement in the illegal activities was revealed, illustrating a commitment to combatting corruption within the mining sector and his own party.

Photo via Lusaka Times