At least one person was shot dead by police on Saturday evening, October 3, after clashes erupted in Lolgorian, Transmara South, during an operation to evict miners from the Kilima Pesa mining site.
The confrontation followed the government’s decision to indefinitely close the mining site after a tunnel collapse that left five people dead and several others trapped underground.
Four Miners Arrested
Area police commander Enrico Telewa said officers had arrested four miners and taken them to Lolgorian Police Station.
Hundreds of residents later stormed the police station in an attempt to secure the release of the four, throwing stones at officers and damaging property during the confrontation.
An unknown number of people were injured as police responded to the unrest.
The circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting were not immediately detailed, and investigations are expected to establish what happened during the confrontation.
Residents Raise Privatization Claims
Residents have also alleged that powerful individuals are seeking to privatise the community-owned Kilima Pesa mining site.
The allegation had not been independently verified at the time of reporting.
The latest unrest comes amid an intensified government crackdown on illegal mining activities following the deadly collapse at the Kilimapesa gold mine.
Government Intensifies Mining Crackdown
Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho subsequently directed an intensified nationwide crackdown on illegal mining, warning that individuals found violating the Mining Act would face legal action.
The government said the operation was aimed at improving compliance with mining regulations, protecting lives and promoting responsible mineral resource development.
Joho also directed authorities to investigate the cause of the Kilimapesa mine collapse and ensure that anyone found responsible for endangering lives through negligence or illegal activities is held accountable.
