HARARE – Seven artisanal miners were killed on Saturday following a mine shaft collapse at the disused Botha gold mine in mineral rich Bindura area.
In a statement, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the tragic incident and further released the names of five of the victims who were all men from villages in Bindura.
Police identified the victims as Leo Chapondama from Maganyani Village, Masembura; Zolani Nyani, 21, from Church Road, Chipadze; Samson Madyira, 20; Jacob Madyira Nongwe, 34; Mathew Madyira, 23, all from Waerera Village, Masembura, Bindura.
The identities of the other two victims were yet to be established, according to police, who went on to issue a warning against illegal mining activities in the country.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police warns the public against conducting mining activities at illegal shafts and disused mine sites as the current incessant rains have made the ground wet and prone to collapse and mine trappings,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
Fatal accidents during rampant illegal mining activities are common in Zimbabwe as unemployed youths and older men feeling the pressures of a tough economy plunge into dangerous tunnels in search of both a living and fortune.
The outcome is often tragic as many get entrapped in the shafts resulting in death.
During the rain season in 2023, the government discouraged artisanal mining activities in the country citing the prevalence of mine accidents during the wet period.
