More people have been arrested and charged in connection with the mining of Sugilite without a License and being in possession of property reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully acquired in Luapula Province.
The arrested 19 people are said to have mined 23 tonnes of Sugilite mineral ore without a license in Muombe District Luapula Province and later conveyed it to Kapiri Mposhi district.
Among the notable names that have been arrested are former Luapula Province Minister Derrick Chilundika, Northern Province Police Commissioner Gloria Mulele, Luapula Province UPND Youth Chairperson Nelson Kelembwe, Acting UPND Provincial Chairperson Jerry Bwalya and UPND Youth Secretary Obbrey Simauki.
Others are Royd Mwansa former Luapula Province Deputy Permanent Secretary, Robert Mutepuka former Nchelenge District Commissioner, Morton Sikazwe former Mwansabombwe District Commissioner and Mwense Town Council Chairperson, Stephen Chikota and five other police officers of different ranks.
The suspects have been released on police bond and will appear in court soon.
By Joan Musabila