Illegal mining puts Malawi citizens at risk of Covid-19

Illegal gold mining in Kasungu, Malawi, East Africa, is putting lives at risk of Covid-19, Nyasa Times, the Malawi news source, reports.

According to citizen journalist Sapulain Chitonde, cited by Nyasa Times, people have been seen digging for gold traces in the mud of the Gogodi river, despite social distancing considerations and measures put in place by the government.

The activity is encouraged by gold buyers from Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and others approaching the locals, Chitonde says.

Officials from the ministry of Natural Resources have said they will inspect the area.