Police in Nkhata Bay district are keeping in custody 13 people for allegedly being involved in illegal mining activities in the district.

Nkhata Bay Police spokesperson Kondwani James said the arrests were made following a tip from villagers of Tukombo who saw the suspects digging in Karweka and Msambanyifwa rivers searching for minerals.

“Following the tip police instituted investigations into the matter which led to the arrest of the suspects,” James said.

He said the suspects are likely to answer the charge of illegal mining contravening section 247 of mines and minerals Act.

The suspects will all appear in court soon to answer the charge leveled against them.