Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Zimpapers Writer
POLICE have released the names of seven artisanal miners who died after being trapped underground when a shaft they were prospecting flooded following heavy rains in Silobela.
The incident, which occurred last Wednesday at Auriga 47 Mine, Base Mineral Block in Nzwananzwi Village, has left families and the local community devastated. The bodies were only recovered on Friday after a prolonged and hazardous rescue operation.
According to police, the deceased are: Billion Bhebhe, Oscar Bafana, Amos Bafana, John Dube Albert Nhengure and Qhubekani Mahlube — all from Nazareth Village, Ntobankala area under Chief Malisa in Silobela — and Mkhululi Moyo of Nzwananzi Village under Chief Sigodo in Zhombe.
The Government has declared the tragedy a State-assisted funeral, with bereaved families receiving coffins, transport and food provisions. Silobela legislator, Cde Jona Nyevera, also donated tents, US$1 000 to support rescue operations and US$200 to each affected family.
Meanwhile, another miner died in a separate accident at a Chinese-operated mine, Veracity 33, in the Hozi area of Silobela. Kwekwe District Development Co-ordinator (DDC) and Civil Protection Unit chairperson, Mr Fortune Mpungu, confirmed the incident.
“The deceased was working at a Chinese mine, Zing King of Kadoma. The body has since been retrieved and operations have been suspended until conditions improve,” he said.
Mr Mpungu urged miners to scale down underground operations during the rainy season, warning that makeshift shafts are particularly vulnerable to flooding and collapse.
“The rainy season has commenced, and the district is at risk of rain-induced disasters. Miners are urged to avoid underground mining due to soil fragility during this period,” he said.
Mr Mpungu advised miners to implement strict water management systems, including trenching and drainage control, conduct regular risk assessments, maintain updated worker registers, and establish effective communication systems to alert underground teams during emergencies.
He also issued broader safety warnings to communities, urging school authorities to prevent children from crossing flooded rivers or swimming in stagnant pools. School heads were encouraged to maintain buildings to prevent roofs from being blown off by strong winds.
Motorists were advised to reduce speed when visibility is poor and to avoid parking under trees during storms.
“Communities should follow weather updates and avoid travelling during thunderstorms. Local authorities such as Kwekwe City, Zibagwe RDC and Redcliff Municipality must prioritise clearing storm drains to reduce the risk of flash flooding,” said Mr Mpungu.
He further cautioned the public against consuming unwashed fruits or unhygienically prepared food, encouraged the destruction of mosquito breeding sites and advised the use of mosquito nets, as Kwekwe District remains prone to malaria-related deaths.
Mr Mpungu also urged councillors and traditional leaders to establish ward and village civil protection units and identify evacuation centres, such as schools and churches, for use during rain-related emergencies.
