Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
Police have released the names of four of the five artisanal miners who were trapped on Sunday after a 20-metre-deep mine shaft they were working in collapsed at Umsasa Farm in Mazowe.
Rescue teams were deployed to the area to retrieve the bodies. In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said, “Reference is made to our post on X platform regarding a mine incident which occurred at Mamini area, Umsasa Farm,
Mazowe on September 28 2025.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that four bodies were retrieved from the mine shaft and were taken to Concession District Hospital mortuary for post-mortem.”
The victims who were identified by their next of kin are Alton Sibanda a 25-year-old man from Thlavati Village, Zhombe, Prince Gobvu, a 19-year-old man of Mhariwa Village, Mhondoro, Kenneth Mhandire, a 24-year-old man from Eastview, Harare and Tapiwa
Meskano, a 26-year-old man from Chikwaka Village, Goromonzi.
Comm Nyathi said, “The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that mine operators should prioritise safety protocols and above all conduct regular mine inspections to identify potential hazards.”
The incident occurred at Mamini, Umsasa Farm, Mazowe on September 28, 2025, where five artisanal miners were trapped after a 20m deep shaft in which they were mining collapsed.
