The deputy general commander of the Republic of Mozambique Police (PRM), Aquilasse Manda, asked community leaders, religious leaders and the general population to report cases of illegal gold mining that are being carried out in the dead of night..

The appeal was made during a popular rally in the town of Muzongo, in the administrative post of Machipanda, Manica district. The aim is to ensure compliance with the recent government decree that temporarily and immediately suspends all mining activities in the province.

Quoted by the newspaper SundayManda said that despite the presence of an environmental control force monitoring the situation, some companies and illegal miners are flouting the suspension.

"Illegal mining activity has caused water pollution, making it unfit for consumption due to the presence of heavy metals. It is important that this suspension order is strictly complied with and the police are committed to keeping a close eye on these offenders, who must be severely punished in accordance with the law," he said.

The deputy commander general assured that once order is restored, exploration activities can be resumed in a regulated manner, allowing the community to have access to drinking water and aquatic resources.

"We are aware that some companies are flouting the rule by operating at night. We are already taking action on these practices," said Manda.

(Photo DR)