A cloud of fear and uncertainty hangs over Kamchocho in Mzimba District after soldiers from the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) reportedly ambushed armed gold miners at a camp, injuring several people and destroying and looting property worth millions of kwacha in the early hours of April 7, 2026.
The operation was part of a dramatic crackdown under what authorities have termed “Operation Samala Mgodi.”
Witnesses say the early-morning raid caught miners and traders off guard, sending dozens fleeing for safety as heavily armed soldiers descended on the informal mining site.
In the chaos, shelters were torn down, personal belongings destroyed, and several individuals assaulted.
Some women reportedly fled the scene partially unclothed in panic, underscoring the severity of the situation.
Community leaders have described the operation as both violent and indiscriminate.
Thomson Banda, chairperson of the mining community and a journalist, recounted his experience during a visit to the affected area.
“They seized motorbikes, damaged my vehicle, and assaulted us. What we witnessed was not just enforcement it was destruction,” said Banda.
The Kamchocho mining site has been a source of livelihood for many local families, with small-scale miners and traders relying on gold extraction for income.
However, the sector has long operated informally, often attracting the attention of authorities seeking to regulate illegal mining activities.The crackdown has since drawn sharp criticism from civil society organizations.
Christopher Melele, Executive Director of the Mzimba Institute for Development Communications Trust, condemned the use of force and called for a more constructive approach.
“The government must prioritize civic education and the formalization of the mining sector. Using force against vulnerable communities only deepens mistrust and fails to address the root causes of the problem,” said Melele.
Human rights advocates have also expressed concern over the reported abuses.
Habiba Osman, Executive Secretary of the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC), said the commission is considering a fact-finding mission before launching a formal investigation.
“We need to establish the facts on the ground. If warranted, we will proceed with investigations and provide recommendations based on our findings,” said Osman.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high in Kamchocho and surrounding areas.
Mining community leaders say fear persists among residents and traders, many of whom are uncertain about their safety should similar operations continue.
“There is panic in the community; people are afraid the soldiers could return at any time,” one local trader said.
The joint task force on mining, which includes MDF personnel, has been deployed in various parts of the country to curb illegal mining and protect natural resources.
However, critics argue that without clear safeguards and meaningful community engagement, such operations risk violating human rights and undermining trust between authorities and local populations.
The manner in which the soldiers carried out the ambush treating the miners as though they were terrorists has left many in disbelief.
Some community members argue that the soldiers could have issued warnings and allowed residents to vacate the area voluntarily instead of resorting to force.
