2 Lorries Impounded Over Illegal Copper Trading

Police apprehended the traders after they allegedly bought ore from miners at Macalder mines ready to transport it to Tanzania.

Nyatike police boss Richard Mukwete said the arrest comes after the government banned copper ore trade in Migori County.

In a letter dated 2nd January, Martin Nyakinye who is the Nyanza Regional Commissioner of Mining and Geology issued a ban on copper trading

The letter requests those trading in copper in the area to have a mining and prospecting license, a move that has not been met by any miner in the county.

The suspects are expected to be arraigned before the Migori Principal Magistrate court today, Wednesday to face charges of illegal trading in copper.

Miners have however vowed to continue selling the copper ore as no miner in the county had been licensed to engage in the business.

By Angel Mboya