Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
KADOMA has been plunged into mourning after a deadly underground flood swallowed six miners at Golden Reef Mine in Eiffel Flats.
The fatal accident occurred on 19 November 2025 when an underground shaft suddenly filled with water while the men were working deep below.
In a sombre statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the scale of the disaster. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms a fatal mine accident in which six miners were killed when an underground shaft they were working on flooded,” he said.
The victims have now been officially identified by their next of kin. All six were men from the Umbark area in Kadoma and Maratonga Village, leaving an entire neighbourhood reeling.
The deceased are:
• Jacob Maposa of Plot 31, Umbark
• Colleen Sibanda of 31 Umbark
• Nevers Makarichi of 21 Umbark
• Simbarashe Bangira of Plot 42, Umbark
• Danai Mashoko of Plot 42, Umbark
• Givemore Chiredzi of Maratonga Village
Police say the men were trapped with no chance of escape as the shaft took in water at alarming speed. The tragedy occurred just after rains had soaked the area, raising fresh concerns about the notorious risks faced by miners during the rainy season.
Commissioner Nyathi issued a stern warning to the mining sector, stressing the need for strict compliance with safety protocols. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that miners should strictly adhere to the country’s mining safety regulations to safeguard human lives,” he said.
He said miners must exercise extreme caution during the rainy period. “Above all, miners should avoid entering shafts that are prone to flooding particularly during and after rainfall.”
The accident has once again put the spotlight on the dangers lurking in small scale and mid tier gold operations across the country, where shortcuts, ageing shafts and unpredictable weather continue to claim lives.
Police investigations are ongoing.
