Tanzanian Police Updated Report on the Death of Suspected Illegal Miner
Press Release (English) Press Release (Swahili)
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 21 March 2023 – As reported on 12 March 2023, a security-related incident occurred at North Mara Gold Mine (NMGM) on 11 March 2023 which resulted in a death. Acting on information received, the independent Tanzanian government task force combating gold smuggling requested access to North Mara mine to inspect a barricaded, remnant area in the underground mine where it was suspected that illegal mining was taking place. On inspection, an illegal miner was found in a disused and barricaded stope and, in attempting to escape arrest, he fell to his death. The police launched a formal investigation into the incident and reported that the deceased individual was Emmanuel Chacha, an employee of NMGM and that a full report on the incident would be provided after the autopsy of the deceased is completed.
In a statement released on 20 March 2023, the Regional Police Commander of Tarime-Rorya Special Police Zone, ACP Geofrey Sarakikya, confirmed that statements obtained from persons at the scene of the incident, as well as the results of the autopsy, proved that the deceased’s death was due to injuries caused by falling from height.
During the investigation there was speculation on social media, alleging that Mr Chacha died as a result of being shot, seeking to influence an ongoing police investigation. In his statement, the Regional Police Commander confirmed that this information was untrue. Such actions are not only unhelpful, but extremely irresponsible as they fuel rumours and encourage speculation before all the facts have been established and the investigation can follow due process.
Barrick Enquiries
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Kathy du Plessis
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Corporate communications and
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Georgia Mutagahywa
+255 754 711 215
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