Artisanal miners die in shaft

Midlands Bureau

Two artisanal miners died when a 22-metre-deep shaft they were working under collapsed at Knot Brothers Farm in Mberengwa.

Three other miners were working outside the shaft when tragedy struck.

Midlands Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the accident that occurred last Thursday.

He said Farai Machenjedze and Desire Mareva were allegedly illegally mining at the site.

Insp Mahoko said as the shaft caved in, the victims were buried under debris, and one of them was heard crying out for help. 

“Despite efforts by their colleagues to rescue them, the shaft continued to collapse, making it difficult to reach the trapped miners. 

“Machenjedze was later found half-covered in debris, still calling for help,” he said. 

Authorities are urging miners to adhere to safety guidelines and regulations outlined in the Mines and Minerals Act to prevent similar accidents.

Presently, efforts are underway to rescue some artisanal miners trapped in Mudzi.