Police Urge Artisanal Miners To Follow Safety Rules

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has urged artisanal miners to observe safety regulations to prevent unnecessary loss of life during the rainy season.

Many illegal mining pits and disused mines can become deathtraps in wet weather, and should be avoided to protect lives.

Last Wednesday, seven artisanal miners died in Silobela after becoming trapped in a mine shaft during heavy rains. Their bodies were recovered on Friday.

On Monday, 10 November, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident and warned the public against engaging in such activities, particularly during the rainy season. He said:

“The ZRP confirms a mine accident which occurred on November 5, 2025, at Auriga 47 Mine, Base Mineral Block, Nzwananzwi Village, Silobela.

“Seven artisanal miners were trapped after the shaft they were working in flooded following heavy rains.

“The bodies of the seven victims were retrieved from the shafts on November 7, 2025.”

Police, the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, and local mine operators joined the rescue operation, working tirelessly despite the relentless downpour.

The victims have since been identified as Qubekhani Mahlube (27), Osca Bafana (24), Albert Nhengure (26), Amos Bafana (41), and Bhilito Bhepe (40), all from Nazareth Village, Thambankala, Malisa in Zhombe; John Dube (34) of Muganga Village, Zhombe; and Mkhululi Moyo (35) of Nzwananzwi Village, Silobela. Added Comm. Nyathi:

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police expresses condolences to the families of the victims.

“Meanwhile, the police urges artisanal miners to prioritise their safety, especially this rainy season to avoid loss of lives.”

In September, four artisanal miners died after being trapped in a disused mine in Shurugwi.

The tragic incident occurred on 4 September 2025 at Chengxi Gold Mine, Shurugwi, when the victims were prospecting for gold and the mine shaft collapsed.

During the same month, another five artisanal miners were trapped when a 20-metre-deep mine shaft collapsed at Mamini, Umsasa Farm, Mazowe. This accident occurred on 28 September 2025.