Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba
FOUR artisanal miners died when a mine shaft at Sabi Vlei Mine collapsed on them in the Mazvihwa area in Zvishavane on Friday morning.
Three of the miners died instantly in the shaft, while a fourth succumbed to severe injuries after being rushed to hospital.
Zvishavane District Development Co-ordinator Mr Darlington Chokera confirmed the tragedy, saying the bodies have 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. Three died on the spot while one passed on at the hospital after sustaining serious injuries during an attempt to escape,” said Mr Chokera.
He said the Mazvihwa community has been left 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 through out the day to retrieve the bodies trapped underground.
Midlands Provincial Civil Protection Unit chairperson Mr Charlton Murove said the Government was deeply saddened by the loss of life and urged miners to prioritise safety.
“In as much as we embrace artisanal mining activities, we also encourage miners to operate under safe environments to avoid incidents like this. This would ensure safety in the mining space and save lives. As Government, we are saddened by this loss,” he said.
Police said they were still in the process of positively identifying the deceased and would release their names once the next of kin have been informed.
The incident has reignited concerns over safety standards in artisanal mining areas, which have recorded repeated fatal accidents in recent years.
A relative of one of the deceased, who declined to be named, said the family was devastated.
“We are struggling to come to terms with this. He went to work like any other day and now he will not be coming back. He was the breadwinner,” she said.
