Heavy rains caused a mine shaft collapse in Silobela, trapping and killing seven artisanal miners. The incident occurred Tuesday evening at the Komasiso gold claim when a prolonged downpour flooded the shaft. Rescue operations, involving local miners and community members, successfully recovered all seven bodies after more than 48 hours of dewatering efforts.
Kwekwe District Development Coordinator Fortune Mpungu confirmed the fatalities and stated the government would provide funeral assistance to the families. The rescue received support from Jena Mines and local Member of Parliament Jona Nyevera, who also contributed financial aid. Officials cautioned miners to avoid underground work during the rainy season due to the heightened risk of collapses from saturated soil.
A representative for small-scale miners noted that the use of excavators had contributed to the unstable ground conditions. She also announced that engineers would inspect other local shafts to ensure no additional miners were trapped.
Kwekwe District Development Coordinator Fortune Mpungu confirmed the fatalities and stated the government would provide funeral assistance to the families. The rescue received support from Jena Mines and local Member of Parliament Jona Nyevera, who also contributed financial aid. Officials cautioned miners to avoid underground work during the rainy season due to the heightened risk of collapses from saturated soil.
A representative for small-scale miners noted that the use of excavators had contributed to the unstable ground conditions. She also announced that engineers would inspect other local shafts to ensure no additional miners were trapped.
