Luanda, May 26, 2026 (Lusa) - Angolan police have arrested 87 people and seized equipment during an operation in three locations in Bengo province, where 29 illegal artisanal miners died when a mine collapsed, local media reported.

The police deputy commander in Bengo, Sub-Commissioner Fernando Ukwhamba, announced the preliminary results of "Operation Gold Thread 2" on Monday, which involved more than 300 officers from various police branches.

"We targeted the illegal gold mining areas in Ambriz, Nambuangongo and Muxaluando regions," he told state TV channel TPA.

Police seized six communication radios and a handmade hunting weapon during the operation, he said, noting that authorities had issued warnings and appeals for people to leave the area.

"We will dismantle all illegal gold mining areas, turn them over to local councils, and place them under the control and surveillance of the police, and we will periodically raid those areas," he added.

An illegal gold mine collapsed in Canacassala village, Nambuangongo, on Saturday, burying several people, 29 of whom died.

NME/LYT // AYLS

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