“At Least 10 Miners Dying Monthly From Silicosis In Kwekwe”

At least 10 miners are dying from silicosis each month in Kwekwe, a local MP has warned.

Kwekwe Central legislator Judith Tobaiwa (CCC) described the death toll in her constituency as particularly alarming. She said:

“This is happening across the country, but I have witnessed death in my constituency. Hospital authorities are confirming that about 10 people die from silicosis every month. Just two days ago, we lost five people to the disease.”

Silicosis, an incurable lung disease caused by long-term exposure to silica dust, has become a silent killer among artisanal and small-scale miners.

Recent figures suggest that nearly one in five Zimbabwean miners are living with the condition, leaving them highly vulnerable to respiratory failure and illnesses such as tuberculosis.

Speaking in the National Assembly last Thursday, Tobaiwa accused Chinese-owned mining companies of exposing workers to hazardous conditions without providing even the most basic protective gear. Said the MP:

“Young people are being exposed to health hazards, particularly silicosis. The majority of the mining companies, especially those run by Chinese nationals, are not providing employees with adequate protective safety wear, and their workers end up contracting silicosis.”

Tobaiwa called on Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando to address Parliament with details of the government’s plans to enforce safer working conditions.

More: ZimLive

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