Mozambique: Three illegal miners killed by UIR agents in Pebane – Carta

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Mozambique: Three illegal miners killed by UIR agents in Pebane – Carta

7:32 CAT | 05 Nov 2021

Three illegal miners were fatally shot by agents of the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR) police in Malema, Mulela administrative post, Pebane district in Zambezia province this Wednesday morning.

‘Carta’ has learned that the incident took place in an artisanal mine when UIR agents tried to prevent the illegal extraction of mineral resources. One of the victims died at the scene and the other two on their way to the hospital.

According to Carta sources, relations between the UIR and Malema residents have been tense since the 26th of October, when the UIR beat and detained some people accused of illegal mining. Those detained were later released on payment of 50,000 meticais bail.

What the police say

‘Carta’ solicited police reaction to the case, but the head of the PRM public relations department in Zambézia province, Miguel Caetano, did not answer our calls.

But Caetano has meanwhile told the local press that the police acted within established parameters, given that the ‘garimpeiros’ had invaded a mining area concessioned to a Chinese company, having attacked the facility’s security guards and stolen their weapons.

He further told the press an exchange of fire between the artisanal miners and UIR agents followed, resulting in three people being shot – one losing his life and the two others being seriously injured.

By Omardine Omar