Concerned Citizens Petition President To End Illegal Mining In Mangochi

Concerned citizens have petitioned President Peter Mutharika to end illegal mining in Makanjira, Namabvi and Namizimu forest in Mangochi district.

Speaking after handing over the petition to Mangochi district commissioner spokesperson of the organizing committee Dickens Mahwayo said the demonstrators demand the removal of illegal miners, deployment of Malawi defense force within a week of receipt of the document and passing of the revised mines and minerals bill in the next seating of parliament.

Mahwayo said if no response by Friday 26th October they shall continue exerting pressure on government through series of unspecified actions.

“People in Mangochi are not against the mining itself but the procedures being used,” Mahwayo said

Commenting, group village headman Mwazungu wondered why government is taking too long to take action on illegal miners.

Speaking to the demonstrators after receiving the petition, Mangochi district commissioner Mosses Chimphepo commended them for conducting peaceful solidarity march.

Chimphepo has promised to send the petition to president by 10 o’clock in the morning on 11th October, 2018.