Illegal Miner Drowns in Kyebi River While Allegedly Fleeing Arrest; Police Search for Identity.

Kyebi, Eastern Region – July 10, 2026 – An unidentified man believed to be about 40 years old has drowned in a river at Habitat in Kyebi after allegedly jumping into the water while attempting to evade arrest during an anti-illegal mining operation.

According to eyewitnesses, the deceased was among a group of suspected illegal miners who had allegedly been operating in the area and destroying a major water body. When security personnel moved in to arrest the group, the man reportedly leapt into the river in an attempt to escape but failed to resurface.

The incident occurred at about 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. Initial rescue efforts by security personnel were unsuccessful.

However, at about 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026, some community members recovered the body from the river. The remains were subsequently handed over to the police and deposited at the Kyebi Government Hospital morgue.

Police have since launched investigations into the incident and are currently working to establish the identity of the deceased and locate his relatives.

The incident has renewed concerns among residents over the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining activities, with many calling for intensified enforcement against illegal mining to protect water bodies and the environment.

By George Botha