News / National
4 miners die in Mazowe Mine shaft collapse
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Four artisanal miners lost their lives after a mine shaft collapsed at Mamini area, Umsasa Farm, Mazowe, on September 28.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that the bodies were recovered from the shaft and taken to Concession Hospital for post-mortem examination.
The victims have been identified as Alton Sibanda (25) from Thiavati Village, Zhombe; Prince Gobvu (19) from Mhuriwa Village, Mhondoro; Kenneth Mhandire (24) from Eastview, Harare; and Tapiwa Meskano (26) from Chikwaka Village, Goromonzi.
"The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that mine operators should prioritise safety protocols and above all conduct regular mine inspections to identify potential hazards," Nyathi said.
The tragedy underscores the persistent dangers in Zimbabwe's small-scale mining sector. Between January and May 2025, authorities reported 59 fatal mining accidents, resulting in 70 deaths, compared to 58 accidents and 72 fatalities during the same period in 2024.
In 2023, mining accidents claimed 237 lives across 212 incidents, making it one of the deadliest years for the sector in recent memory. Most fatalities occur in unregistered or artisanal mines, where safety regulations are often ignored.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that the bodies were recovered from the shaft and taken to Concession Hospital for post-mortem examination.
The victims have been identified as Alton Sibanda (25) from Thiavati Village, Zhombe; Prince Gobvu (19) from Mhuriwa Village, Mhondoro; Kenneth Mhandire (24) from Eastview, Harare; and Tapiwa Meskano (26) from Chikwaka Village, Goromonzi.
"The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that mine operators should prioritise safety protocols and above all conduct regular mine inspections to identify potential hazards," Nyathi said.
The tragedy underscores the persistent dangers in Zimbabwe's small-scale mining sector. Between January and May 2025, authorities reported 59 fatal mining accidents, resulting in 70 deaths, compared to 58 accidents and 72 fatalities during the same period in 2024.
In 2023, mining accidents claimed 237 lives across 212 incidents, making it one of the deadliest years for the sector in recent memory. Most fatalities occur in unregistered or artisanal mines, where safety regulations are often ignored.
Source - Zimlive
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