KWEKWE, Zimbabwe– A 32-year-old artisanal miner died on Monday after a mine shaft collapsed at Chaka Mine in Kwekwe, one month after a similar incident killed six others in the same area.
The deceased, Emmanuel Mudzamba, was reportedly underground extracting gold when the shaft gave way. His body was found 70 meters below ground after a second collapse trapped him, according to his brother, Clanos Mudzamba, who spoke with The Mirror.
Clanos said that Emmanuel and his colleagues had been working in shifts, with Emmanuel digging at the time of the accident.
The first collapse occurred while his colleagues were resting, and although they tried to rescue him, a second, more deadly collapse buried him completely.
“It is tragic. My brother was young and still had a lot of potential. We had high hopes for him, but now he’s gone,” Clanos said.
The incident highlights the continuing risks faced by illegal miners in Zimbabwe, where safety regulations are often ignored.
Police have not yet confirmed the details of the accident, according to Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko.
The Mudzamba family is currently mourning in Redcliff, Simbi Park, where arrangements are being made for the burial.
Source: The Mirror