ILLEGAL SMELTERS CONTRIBUTING TO ORGANISED CRIMES IN THE COPPERBELT REGION – DPP
DIRECTOR of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Gilbert Phiri says the issue of illegal smelters on the Copperbelt needs to be addressed decisively because it is contributing to organised crimes in the region.
Speaking at an anti-corruption conference last week organised by Transparency International Zambia (TIZ), Mr Phiri said mushrooming of illegal smelters must be fought and stopped because it has the potential to cause other governance and social problems if left unaddressed.
He said on its part, National Prosecutions Authority (NPA) will do its best to prosecute those involved in illegal mining and related crimes.
“Illegal smelters on the Copperbelt have to be dealt with. Those found wanting will be presented before the Economic and Financial Crimes Court so that their matters are prosecuted within five months,” Mr Phiri said.
It’s due to a dysfunctional local government system which fails to enforce the Factories Act.
Zoning laws and haphazard planning. How do you have a factory in a residential area and hope that residents wont have to deal with health issue? Yes, ba Gunner a very true observation. Chipante pante that became a norm and justified cause other country was doing it. Asi mwabona