DRC releases Zambian ‘miners’

EIGHT Zambians that were arrested and prosecuted by authorities in Congo DR for illegal mining activities have been brought back into the country. EIGHT Zambians that were arrested and prosecuted by authorities in Congo DR for illegal mining activities have been brought back into the country. Mkushi district commissioner Christopher Chibuye who confirmed the development in an interview said the eight men were engaged in illegal mining activities in the DRC’s Katanga Province by a Zambian identified only as Moyo. “I went to bring them back on 8th March, 2013. They were working for a contractor known as Mr Moyo of Mkushi district. They were doing illegal mining and were arrested on 1st October, 2012 by authorities in Congo DR,” he said. “They were kept in prison called Kasapa in Katanga Province but were fined KR1,000 each before being released.” Chibuye identified those that were arrested and prosecuted as Victor Malaya, 26 and his brother Kelvin aged 24, of Kasansa area in Mkushi district, Golden Museka, 36 and Francis Nchila, 28, both of Upper Lusemfwa in Mkushi district. Others are Douglas Kalunga, 24, Dominic Mwape, 34, Labson Fwashi, 56 all of Upper Lunsenfwa and Watson Mushili, 64 of Chaningilo area in Mkushi district. Chibuye has cautioned Zambians to be wary of bogus contractors engaged in illegal activities in foreign countries. “My appeal to the Zambian people is that they should be cautious of these contractors. They need to consult our offices about these contractors before signing their employment contracts. Some of these contractors are not genuine,” he said. “The Zambian people should be vigilant and cautious with people coming to entice them with job offers in neighbouring countries. We know that these contractors that are not genuine are taking advantage of the poverty situation prevailing in our rural communities.” Chibuye said desperation for jobs should not drive people into illegal activities as this would result in Zambians being victims of human trafficking.

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