The pursuit of quick riches through illegal mining has ended in handcuffs for six people in Chitipa.
Police arrested the six after they were allegedly found engaging in illegal mining activities in Binoni Forest along the Chambo River in the area of Senior Chief Mwabulambya.
Chitipa Police Station Public Relations Officer Sergeant Rabson Mkandawire confirmed the arrests, saying the suspects were apprehended on July 8, 2026, at Binoni Village following intelligence reports that they were conducting illegal mining activities in the forest.
Mkandawire said police officers moved into the area after receiving the information and arrested the suspects.
The suspects have been identified as Blessings Mwanjawe, 34, of Ng’ambu Village, Traditional Authority Lundu in Chikwawa; Wyson Mangani, 44, of Kulunda Village, Traditional Authority Liwonde in Machinga; and John Robert, 25, of Naminjiwa Village, Traditional Authority Mkhumba in Phalombe.
The other suspects are Lazaro Silumbu, 29, and Clement Sichali, 52, both from Chendo Village, and Watson Sikwese, 24, of Chambo Village, all under Senior Chief Mwabulambya in Chitipa.
The six are expected to appear before court after police complete the necessary paperwork.
By Andrew Weddinga
