Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Mutare Bureau
A SOMBRE atmosphere engulfed the mining community of Penhalonga over the weekend after three illegal miners died when the mine they were working in collapsed.
The mishap, which occurred at Diamond Base mine, claimed the lives of Jealous Pindeni (22), Prince Nyamuona (21) and Philip Sithole (21), all from Mundanda Village under Chief Mapungwana in Chipinge.
The trio could not be rescued as it was raining heavily.
Acting Manicaland police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the incident and said a large boulder collapsed while the three men were inside, and their partner Tutsirai Nyangani of Tsvingwe alerted the police.
“On November 15, 2025, at around 1am, Nyangani and the now-deceased persons were mining gold at an illegal cast near Diamond Base.
“While they were busy with their work, a large boulder suddenly collapsed from the walls of the cast at a height of about 10 metres and fell on them, trapping them to death. Nyangani then reported the matter to ZRP Penhalonga, who attended the scene and managed to retrieve the trio’s dead bodies.
“The bodies were conveyed to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital for post-mortem examinations.
“The deceased’s next of kin were advised,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Cases of illegal miners dying in pits are rampant in Penhalonga, especially during the rainy season when the ground is wet and mines easily collapse.
Illegal miners play cat and mouse with law enforcement agents.
