derick.khumalo
Tongai Mashonga
[email protected]
TWO miners died after a section of earth collapsed on them while they were working underground at Vigilant Mine in Kwekwe on Tuesday evening in the latest mining accident to claim lives in the Midlands Province.
The fatal incident occurred at around 7 PM on July 7, when a block of soil reportedly gave way and fell from the roof of a mine shaft approximately 200 metres below the surface.
Three other miners who were working alongside the victims escaped unharmed.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko identified the deceased as Busani Nyathi and Proud Maphosa, both adult males.
“Police confirm receipt of a report of a mine accident, which claimed the lives of two miners while three others managed to escape,” he said in a statement.
According to police, the five miners were carrying out underground mining operations when the accident occurred.
“The two were working underground with three others. When they were at a depth of about 200m, a block of soil collapsed from the roof of the shaft, covering the miners. Three of them safely exited the shaft and the now deceased men remained.”
Emergency responders and police attended the scene following the incident. The bodies of the two miners were later retrieved from the shaft.
The tragedy has once again brought mining safety into sharp focus, particularly in a province that continues to record accidents in both formal and artisanal mining operations.
Inspector Mahoko urged all mining operators and workers to strictly adhere to safety regulations and operational procedures designed to protect lives.
He reminded those involved in the mining sector to comply with safety guidelines provided under the Mines and Minerals Act [Chapter 21:05].
The latest accident adds to a growing list of mining-related fatalities recorded in the Midlands Province in recent years. Authorities have repeatedly raised concerns over safety practices in the sector and continue to urge mine operators to prioritise compliance with occupational health and safety standards.
Mining remains one of Zimbabwe’s key economic sectors, employing thousands of workers and contributing significantly to mineral production and export earnings. However, fatal accidents continue to occur, highlighting the importance of maintaining strict safety measures both underground and on the surface.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the collapse are underway.
