By JACKSON MAPAPAYI
AN alleged mastermind of the illegal gold mining in Mwinilunga has been arrested, bringing to 22 the number of suspects in police custody.
The suspect who has been identified as Lukonde Makungu, a director of Chilibwe Mining Limited was arrested on Wednesday in Solwezi.
The suspects from the mining firm were alleged to have been undertaking illegal gold mining on a mine tenement belonging to Philton Investment Limited near Kasenseli without authority.
According to North-Western Province Commissioner of Police Joe Njase, the suspect has been slapped with five counts which include criminal trespass, forgery and uttering false documents.
Other charges are undertaking a project without written approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment and illegal mining and exploration which is contrary to section 12 (2) of the Mines and Minerals Act number 11 of 2015.
“Mr Makungu will now be taken to Mwinilunga where he will be formally jointly charged for the subject offences with the other 21 suspects,” Mr Njase said.
He said the suspect was being held at Solwezi Central Police Station.
