8 dead in mine shaft collapse

Eight people have been confirmed dead after an illegal mine shaft collapsed in Penhalonga, with authorities warning that more bodies may still be trapped underground as rescue operations continue under dangerous conditions.

The shaft caved in following several days of heavy rains, which further destabilised the already fragile ground. Some bodies have since been recovered and taken to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital in Mutare, while rescue teams comb through the site to determine the full scale of the disaster.

Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, who visited the hospital on Thursday, confirmed the rising death toll and cautioned that recovery efforts remain hazardous.

"This is a very unfortunate incident as the number of confirmed fatalities is now eight. Unfortunately, we still expect a few more to be trapped but deceased in the shaft," Mugadza said. "With these rains, it is unsafe to go down, especially in this area, because of the type of soil here. We continue urging miners to desist from mining activities, even the timbered ones. We want to console families who have lost their relatives. As government, we are going to make sure the law is enforced to stop illegal mining activities."

The tragedy has once again highlighted the persistent dangers linked to illegal mining in Penhalonga, where unstable terrain and unregulated operations have repeatedly resulted in fatal accidents. Authorities say intensified enforcement and community awareness campaigns are necessary to curb the high-risk activities that continue to claim lives.