Luapula Provincial Minister fired, Arrested over Sugilite Scandal
President Hakainde Hichilema has fired Luapula Provincial Minister Derricky Chilundika.
Audios have emerged where Chilundika was authoring the illegal mining of the rare gemstone, Sugilite and sought a kickback of K2million.
He is accused of being behind the mining of 23 tonnes of Sugilite Mineral Ore in Chembe District without a Licence.
Chilundika has since been arrested for carrying out carrying out mining activities without a Licence contrary to Section 12(1)(3) of the Mines and Minerals Act Number 11 of 2015.
And two Afghan nationals are among those arrested for the same offence.
Police issued the following statements;
July 5, 2023 – Police in Mansa have charged and arrested Muhammed Ashim aged 50 and Muhammed Munsul aged 44 both Afghan nationals for the offence of Mining without a licence contrary to section 12(1) of the Mines Minerals Development Act number 11 of 2015 of the laws of Zambia. The two are Directors of Katros Mining Limited
Police investigations revealed that the suspects were mining Manganese at the said Mine on the strength of an expired Artisanal Mining Licence and the same manganese is not prescribed in the Licence.
The suspects have been released on Police Bond pending court appearance.
Danny Mwale
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer