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Teen miner dies in tragic shaft collapse at Sunace mine
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A 17-year-old illegal miner lost his life following a shaft collapse at Sunace Mine on the outskirts of Bulawayo. The tragic incident, which occurred on December 12, has left efforts to retrieve the teenager's body still ongoing.
Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, the acting Bulawayo Provincial Police spokesperson, confirmed the death of Luckmore Sibanda, a resident of Lukala village under Chief Mtshana.
"On December 12, around 3 PM, the deceased's father was informed by a community member that Luckmore was trapped underground. Upon investigation, they discovered his body pinned under a large boulder approximately 200 meters deep. Despite numerous attempts, the body remains trapped, and a police report was filed," said Assistant Inspector Msebele.
She noted that Sunace Mine had been shut down due to licensing issues but was being accessed illegally by miners. She urged the public to avoid engaging in illegal mining due to its life-threatening risks.
When a CITE news team visited the mine on Monday, miners were seen loitering around nearby shops. Security officers were present on-site, and Chinese personnel were observed alongside a truck reportedly carrying ore. Despite the official closure, the mine's grinding machine was operational, hinting at ongoing activity.
Muzikababa Makwelo, the mine's security officer, narrated the incident, explaining that a rescue team from DGL5 confirmed the presence of Sibanda's body underground.
"Five individuals were involved in the operation. Four managed to escape and notified the family. The father went underground to confirm the tragic situation before officially reporting the incident to authorities," Makwelo said.
He added that safety concerns have hindered efforts to retrieve the body.
"The deceased was struck on the head, shoulder, and chest by a large boulder. Attempts to move the stone worsened the situation, as it became further lodged. Rescue efforts face a 98.5% risk of further collapse, making it extremely dangerous. Police and Ministry of Mines officials are working to devise a safe retrieval plan," he explained.
Sibanda's parents have remained at the site, anxiously waiting for their son's body to be recovered.
Makwelo dismissed rumors that multiple miners had perished in the collapse, clarifying that only Sibanda's death has been confirmed.
He expressed concerns about the safety of security personnel, citing the mine's lack of proper fencing, which has left it vulnerable to trespassers.
Sunace Mine, once operated by a German firm, has become a hotspot for illegal mining. Makwelo highlighted frequent altercations between security officers and illegal miners.
"Last month, illegal miners attacked our Chinese manager, claiming ownership of the mine as local residents. Unfortunately, they invite individuals from other areas, escalating violence. We appeal for help—perhaps the miners can be allocated another site to address their challenges, especially amid the drought and unemployment," Makwelo said.
As authorities deliberate on the best course of action to retrieve Sibanda's body, the tragedy underscores the dangers of illegal mining and the ongoing tensions between local communities and mining operations.
Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, the acting Bulawayo Provincial Police spokesperson, confirmed the death of Luckmore Sibanda, a resident of Lukala village under Chief Mtshana.
"On December 12, around 3 PM, the deceased's father was informed by a community member that Luckmore was trapped underground. Upon investigation, they discovered his body pinned under a large boulder approximately 200 meters deep. Despite numerous attempts, the body remains trapped, and a police report was filed," said Assistant Inspector Msebele.
She noted that Sunace Mine had been shut down due to licensing issues but was being accessed illegally by miners. She urged the public to avoid engaging in illegal mining due to its life-threatening risks.
When a CITE news team visited the mine on Monday, miners were seen loitering around nearby shops. Security officers were present on-site, and Chinese personnel were observed alongside a truck reportedly carrying ore. Despite the official closure, the mine's grinding machine was operational, hinting at ongoing activity.
Muzikababa Makwelo, the mine's security officer, narrated the incident, explaining that a rescue team from DGL5 confirmed the presence of Sibanda's body underground.
"Five individuals were involved in the operation. Four managed to escape and notified the family. The father went underground to confirm the tragic situation before officially reporting the incident to authorities," Makwelo said.
He added that safety concerns have hindered efforts to retrieve the body.
"The deceased was struck on the head, shoulder, and chest by a large boulder. Attempts to move the stone worsened the situation, as it became further lodged. Rescue efforts face a 98.5% risk of further collapse, making it extremely dangerous. Police and Ministry of Mines officials are working to devise a safe retrieval plan," he explained.
Sibanda's parents have remained at the site, anxiously waiting for their son's body to be recovered.
Makwelo dismissed rumors that multiple miners had perished in the collapse, clarifying that only Sibanda's death has been confirmed.
He expressed concerns about the safety of security personnel, citing the mine's lack of proper fencing, which has left it vulnerable to trespassers.
Sunace Mine, once operated by a German firm, has become a hotspot for illegal mining. Makwelo highlighted frequent altercations between security officers and illegal miners.
"Last month, illegal miners attacked our Chinese manager, claiming ownership of the mine as local residents. Unfortunately, they invite individuals from other areas, escalating violence. We appeal for help—perhaps the miners can be allocated another site to address their challenges, especially amid the drought and unemployment," Makwelo said.
As authorities deliberate on the best course of action to retrieve Sibanda's body, the tragedy underscores the dangers of illegal mining and the ongoing tensions between local communities and mining operations.
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