By ALICE NACHILEMBE
Three illegal miners have died in a tragic incident involving a case of Sudden and Unnatural Death that occurred in Kasempa District after they were trapped in a pit where they were digging for suspected gold.
According to Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga, the incident occurred today, August 13, 2024, at approximately 03:48 hours, at Mulopwe Metal Mining Limited, located in the Dengwe area of Chief Kasempa in Kasempa District. The report was made to the police at around 11:00 hours by Mr. Bernard Chilai, an employee of Mulopwe Metal Mining Limited.
Mr. Hamoonga stated that three male individuals, who were illegally mining in the area, were trapped in a pit where they were digging for suspected gold. The three bodies were later retrieved by unknown individuals, believed to be friends of the deceased.
The facts of the matter are as follows: today, August 13, 2024, at approximately 03:48 hours, a police officer in charge of the patrol team based at Mulopwe Metal Mining Limited received a phone call from a concerned member of the public, informing him that three illegal miners had been trapped in a pit.
Upon receiving the report, Kasempa Police rushed to the scene and found the three lifeless bodies lying beside a pit, approximately 300 meters from the location where the police are camped.
The deceased individuals have been identified as:
1. Gabriel Mukanzu, 28, of Makayi Village, who sustained a fractured right leg, swollen face, bruised back, and was bleeding from the nose, ears, and mouth.
2. Jacob Chulu, 25, of Vubwi District, who was identified after a Green National Registration Card was found in his pocket. He sustained a fractured right leg, swollen face, bruised back, including bleeding from the nose, ears, and mouth.
3. Daniel (full names unknown), aged between 27 and 30, of Solwezi District, who was identified by a friend and sustained bruises on the right hand, as well as bleeding from the nose and mouth.
The bodies of the deceased were conveyed to Mukinge Mission Hospital Mortuary, where they are awaiting postmortem examinations. Brought-In-Dead (B.I.D) forms have been issued, and an inquiry file has been opened to further investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.
The Zambia Police Service extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased during this difficult time. We urge the public to refrain from engaging in illegal mining activities, as they pose significant risks to life and safety.
