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2 killed in Zimbabwe mine blast, Chinese national arrested
2 hrs ago |
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Two artisanal miners were killed following a blasting incident at Long Fortune Mine in Collen Bawn, Gwanda, after explosives were allegedly detonated while they were still underground.
Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Chiratidzo Dube confirmed the incident, saying investigations are ongoing. A Chinese national, Jing Yi Zhang (50), has been arrested in connection with the case.
Police said the incident occurred on April 3, 2026, at around 10am. Zhang, who resides at the mine, is alleged to have triggered a blast while two workers - Prosper Nango (31) of Mpopoma, Bulawayo, and Aleck Hove (30) of Mbizo 3, Kwekwe - were still underground.
According to authorities, the two victims were part of a five-member team that had entered Shaft Seven, approximately 160 metres below ground, earlier that morning.
The group - including Nkosiyazi Ncube (30), Ishmael Fodi (28), Emmanuel Nyathi (27), Nango and Hove - had begun work around 2am, drilling multiple holes and laying electrical wiring in preparation for blasting. A sixth worker, Tinevimbo Maphosa (26), remained at the surface operating the hoisting system.
Police said that shortly before the explosion, three of the miners - Nyathi, Ncube and Fodi — exited the shaft, leaving Nango and Hove completing final connections underground.
"As Ncube and Fodi reached the surface, before they could fully disembark from the bucket, an explosion occurred in the shaft. They fled the scene immediately," said Insp Dube.
Maphosa later reported that Zhang had initiated the blast, resulting in the fatal explosion while the two miners were still below ground.
The matter was reported to police by mine representative Aaron Wilson (65), prompting a joint response by detectives from Gwanda, the Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit, and officers from ZRP Collen Bawn.
Initial investigations revealed that some individuals had entered the shaft before authorities arrived and discovered human remains.
Officials from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, including Brian Matewa (40), attended the scene and directed that recovery of the bodies be conducted on April 4, after hazardous gases had dissipated.
Police confirmed that Long Fortune Mine (Private) Limited is owned by Chinese national Dialang Gu, operating under a licence issued in November 2025 and valid until November 2027.
Authorities say investigations are continuing, with a focus on safety procedures and compliance with mining regulations.
Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Chiratidzo Dube confirmed the incident, saying investigations are ongoing. A Chinese national, Jing Yi Zhang (50), has been arrested in connection with the case.
Police said the incident occurred on April 3, 2026, at around 10am. Zhang, who resides at the mine, is alleged to have triggered a blast while two workers - Prosper Nango (31) of Mpopoma, Bulawayo, and Aleck Hove (30) of Mbizo 3, Kwekwe - were still underground.
According to authorities, the two victims were part of a five-member team that had entered Shaft Seven, approximately 160 metres below ground, earlier that morning.
The group - including Nkosiyazi Ncube (30), Ishmael Fodi (28), Emmanuel Nyathi (27), Nango and Hove - had begun work around 2am, drilling multiple holes and laying electrical wiring in preparation for blasting. A sixth worker, Tinevimbo Maphosa (26), remained at the surface operating the hoisting system.
Police said that shortly before the explosion, three of the miners - Nyathi, Ncube and Fodi — exited the shaft, leaving Nango and Hove completing final connections underground.
"As Ncube and Fodi reached the surface, before they could fully disembark from the bucket, an explosion occurred in the shaft. They fled the scene immediately," said Insp Dube.
Maphosa later reported that Zhang had initiated the blast, resulting in the fatal explosion while the two miners were still below ground.
The matter was reported to police by mine representative Aaron Wilson (65), prompting a joint response by detectives from Gwanda, the Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit, and officers from ZRP Collen Bawn.
Initial investigations revealed that some individuals had entered the shaft before authorities arrived and discovered human remains.
Officials from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, including Brian Matewa (40), attended the scene and directed that recovery of the bodies be conducted on April 4, after hazardous gases had dissipated.
Police confirmed that Long Fortune Mine (Private) Limited is owned by Chinese national Dialang Gu, operating under a licence issued in November 2025 and valid until November 2027.
Authorities say investigations are continuing, with a focus on safety procedures and compliance with mining regulations.
Source - umthunywa
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