Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Mutare Bureau
A BUILDER has died after a mine wall collapsed in Chipinge while his two colleagues are still hospitalised with varying degrees of injuries.
Hapson Mhlanga, (22), of Chief Garahwa Chipinge, was struck by a brick on the head while working last week and was rushed to St Peter’s Mission Hospital.
Acting Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, said Mhlanga’s colleague, Cleopas Mapeya, was in a critical condition and is admitted at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital.
His other colleague, Peace Simango, is in a stable condition.
“On June 16, 2026, at around 4pm, Cleopas Mapeya (27), Peace Simango (25) and Thomas Majaru (38) commenced duty at a mining site where they were employed as builders and were constructing a wall inside a rectangular pit measuring six metres deep.
“When the wall reached six meters high, Majaru and other workers were instructed to fill the gaps on the side of the pit using gravel while Mapeya, Simango and Mhlanga continued working inside the pit.
“During the gap filling process, pressure exerted on the walls caused one side to collapse on the three workers who were inside.
“Mapeya and Simango were buried under the debris while Mhlanga was struck on the head by a brick.”
He added:
“Other mine workers rescued the three from the pit but Mhlanga had sustained injuries on the head.
“Mapeya fractured his left leg while Simango had bruises all over his body.
“The three victims were taken to St Peter’s Mission Hospital in Chipinge for treatment.
“On June 17, 2026, Mhlanga died while admitted in the hospital.
“Mapeya was transferred to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital and is in critical condition while “Simango is still admitted at St Peter’s Mission Hospital and is in stable condition.
“The incident was reported to ZRP Chisumbanje and investigations are underway.”
