Four Artisanal Miners Die In Zvishavane Shaft Collapse

Four artisanal miners died after a shaft collapsed at Sabi Vlei Mine in the Mazvihwa area of Zvishavane on Friday morning.

Three of the miners died in the shaft. A fourth died in the hospital from severe injuries.

Zvishavane District Development Co-ordinator Darlington Chokera confirmed the incident and said the bodies had been retrieved from the rubble.

“It is with a heavy heart that we confirm the death of four artisanal miners following a shaft collapse at a mine in Mazvihwa,” said Chokera.

“Three died on the spot while one passed on at the hospital after sustaining serious injuries during an attempt to escape.”

He said the Mazvihwa community was in mourning, with villagers describing the incident as one of the worst mining accidents in the area this year.

Community members and the Civil Protection Unit rushed to the scene shortly after the collapse was reported.

Rescue teams worked throughout the day to retrieve the bodies trapped underground.

Midlands Provincial Civil Protection Unit chairperson Charlton Murove said the Government was deeply saddened by the loss of life and urged miners to prioritise safety.

He said that while artisanal mining activities were supported, miners should work in safe environments to prevent such incidents.

Police said they were still working to identify the deceased and would release their names once the next of kin had been informed.

More: Sunday News

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