Kolwezi: 58 suspected offenders presented to authorities after unrest linked to artisanal miners’ protests

Security services presented 58 people to the Lualaba provincial interior minister on Friday, October 23, on suspicion of vandalism and disturbing public order in Kolwezi. They were arrested in Luilu, Kapata, Kasulo, Bel-Air and Chabula and are accused of taking advantage of artisanal miners’ protests to commit offenses. The protests followed the reported closure of several processing units after an inspection by an inter-service commission from Kinshasa; property was damaged and injuries were reported. Authorities say investigations are continuing to identify those responsible and restore order.