Johnson Progress

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has released the names of seven artisanal miners who tragically lost their lives after being trapped underground when a mine shaft flooded in Silobela, Midlands Province, following heavy rains.

According to the police statement, the incident occurred last Wednesday at Auriga 47 Mine, Base Mineral Block, Nzwananzwi Village, Silobela.

The bodies of the victims were retrieved on Friday, ending days of frantic efforts by fellow miners and community members who fought against water and collapsing earth to pull them out.

“The seven artisanal miners who died are Billion Bhebhe, Oscar Bafana, Amos Bafana, John Dube, Albert Nhengure, Qhubekani Mahlube, all from Nazareth Village, Ntobankala area, Chief Malisa in Silobela, and Mkhululi Moyo, from Nzwananzi Village under Chief Sigodo in Zhombe,” reads part of the police statement.

The government has declared the incident a State-assisted funeral, providing assistance to the families of the deceased, including coffins, transport to their final resting places, and food for mourners.

Silobela Member of Parliament, Cde Jona Nyevera, also contributed to the relief efforts, providing tents and US$1,000 to support the miners who entered the shaft to retrieve the bodies.

Cde Nyevera also gave US$200 to each bereaved family.

“This is a devastating tragedy that highlights the dangers of artisanal mining, especially during the rainy season,” said a local official.

“We urge miners to prioritize their safety and avoid taking unnecessary risks.”

The incident has left the local community in grief, with many calling for improved safety measures and regulations in the artisanal mining sector.

The funeral wakes are expected to continue throughout the week across Nazareth and Nzwananzi villages, where grief runs deep and the sound of mourning drums echoes late into the night.