Solwezi | January 30, 2026 – The Secretariat of the Inter-Agency Coordination and Cooperation Framework is conducting a high-stakes operational mission in Solwezi, North-Western Province, with key meetings scheduled through to today. The team is gathering critical intelligence to combat sophisticated criminal networks exploiting the region’s resources and undermining the justice system.

The mission, led by Deputy Chief State Advocate in charge of the Asset Forfeiture Department at the National Prosecution Authority, who is also head of the Secretariat, Ms. Margaret Kapambwe-Chitundu, began with a strategic meeting with the Permanent Secretary for North-Western Province, Colonel Grandson Katambi.

Colonel Katambi provided a detailed briefing on organised crime, citing the exploitation of vulnerable children as proxies by criminal syndicates exploiting legal protections that shield minors from significant consequences while the masterminds remain free. He further highlighted cross-border timber trafficking, noting that Angolan timber is being fraudulently stamped as Zambian for export. A temporary suspension of all timber harvesting was recommended.

Regarding illegal mining, the permanent secretary reported that following a farmer’s discovery of gold in Mufumbwe, a gold rush was swiftly ignited by well equipped groups from Lusaka as well Tanzanian nationals. The Permanent Secretary stressed that only top-tier leadership can dismantle the corrupt networks referred to as “chain saw” which dominate and undermine all lawful mining processes.

In a separate engagement, the Secretariat paid a courtesy call on the Judiciary, meeting with High Court Judge Mr. Obbister Musukwa and Senior Resident Magistrate Nsunge Chanda in the Judge’s Chambers. The judiciary highlighted the urgent need to address the profound challenges posed by the traditional practice of Kikondo, which results in extrajudicial “moving coffin” murders in response to suspicious deaths. This highlights a critical, complex tension between deeply held cultural practices and criminal justice system.

The Secretariat’s mission will continue today with further operational meetings. The findings from these engagements will directly inform a consolidated, actionable national strategy to dismantle the criminal networks operating in Zambia’s strategic North-Western Province.