Six Illegal Miners Killed, Four Injured In Mazowe Mining Accident

Six artisanal miners have died, and four others were injured in a tragic accident at Starlake Mine in Mazowe on the morning of 18 July 2025.

According to Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the incident occurred around 10 AM when a hoist used to pull a bucket carrying the miners out of a 45-metre-deep shaft snapped.

The failure caused the bucket to plunge back into the shaft, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.

Four of the victims died at the scene, while two others were pronounced dead upon admission at Concession District Hospital. The remaining four sustained injuries and were receiving treatment.

The deceased have been identified as Sebastian Dzaingwa (33) of Zuze Village, Wezhere in Sanyati; Tawanda Nyandoro (41) of Basaroukwe Village in Gokwe; Edger Magenya (30) of Pinyengwe Village in Kwekwe; Milton Trust Ngonzwe (25) of Bika Village in Nyanga; Elvis Kasaira (38) of Village 97 in Mutoko; and Abel Majangara (25) of Nyashanu Village in Buhera.

Commissioner Nyathi expressed concern over safety practices in artisanal mining operations. He called on mine operators to prioritise the maintenance and inspection of equipment to prevent avoidable accidents and loss of life.

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