By IREEN MULENGA
Residents of Kankoyo Township in Mufulira District are saddened by the increase in criminal activities in the township.
The residents have disclosed that since the ban of mining activities in all dump sites by the new minister of mines Paul Kabuswe, the youths who are commonly known as Jerabos have opted to start stealing from people’s homes.
Speaking in an interview today with Independent Observer, one of the residents, Vivian Nankamba says despite the efforts by government to end load shedding, most of the residents have no electricity owing to the stolen service cables.
Meanwhile, the youths disclose that the reason they are engaging themselves in criminal activities is as a result of unemployment.
They are since appealing to the government to open up operations in the dump sites as it is their only source of income.
Reacting to the youths, UPND Kankoyo constituency Lawmaker Heartson Mabeta has assured small scale miners in Kankoyo that he will engage Mopani Copper mine plc and see if it is possible to grant them access to the black mountain.
Mr Mabeta said the issues regarding small miners commonly known as jerabos will be addressed in 2weeks time.
Mr Mabeta has described the deliberation he had with the jerabos as an eye opener that has enabled him to see what the youths are capable of doing as they aim to give back to the community.
He has promised to help youths with machinery if Mopani happens to give them access to the black mountain so that they can operate effectively.
And some Small scale miners have appealed to their colleagues to desist from engaging themselves in criminal activities and wait until the Lawmaker gives them a feedback in 2 weeks’ time.
