POLICE
IN MBEYA REGION are holding 10 mineral traders suspected
of smuggling gold worth Sh1.5 billion. The Minister of Minerals,
Anthony Mavunde, announced the arrests at a press conference, stating that the
traders were apprehended on March 16 at 10:27 am in the Ilomba neighborhood of
Mbeya city.
At the time of their
arrest, the suspects were found with 344 pieces of smelted gold weighing 9.8
kilograms, along with various tools used for smelting and measuring gold.
Minister Mavunde has
ordered the suspension of the suspects' mining business licenses nationwide
while investigations proceed before their arraignment in court.
He commended the Mbeya
Regional administration under Regional Commissioner Juma Homera and security
agencies for collaborating with the Ministry of Minerals' Task Force to
facilitate the apprehension of the suspects.
Minister Mavunde urged
all mineral traders to ensure they comply with laws and regulations governing
the mineral trade in the country, warning that those found smuggling minerals
will face legal action and lose their licenses.