Just In: Police name seven Silobela miners who died in flooded shaft

Mining accidents are rife in the giant Central African country, especially at small, artisanal sites. Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi, who was governor of South Kivu before M23 took over, confirmed there had been a collapse at the mine but did not provide a death toll.

Midlands Bureau

Police have released the names of the seven artisanal miners who died after being trapped underground when a mine shaft they were prospecting for gold ore flooded in Silobela following heavy rains.

The incident occurred last Wednesday at Auriga 47 Mine, Base Mineral Block, Nzwananzwi Village, Silobela.

The bodies were only retrieved on Friday.

“The seven artisanal miners who died are Billion Bhebhe, Oscar Bafana, Amos Bafana, John Dube, Albert Nhengure, Qhubekani Mahlube, all from Nazareth Village, Ntobankala area, Chief Malisa in Silobela, and Mkhululi Moyo, from Nzwananzi Village under Chief Sigodo in Zhombe,” reads part of the police statement.

The Government declared the incident a State-assisted funeral, and through the able leadership of President Mnangagwa, the families of the deceased received assistance, including coffins, transport to their final resting places, and food for mourners.

Member of Parliament for Silobela, Cde Jona Nyevera, contributed tents and US$1 000 to support the miners who entered the shaft to retrieve the bodies.

Cde Nyevera also gave US$200 to each bereaved family.