Three artisanal miners have died following a suspected poisoning incident at a disused mine in Shurugwi, Midlands Province.
The men allegedly inhaled toxic fumes from mining explosives while extracting gold underground.
The incident happened around 9 am on 5 November at Coconut Wanderer Mine.
The victims were reportedly working inside an underground tunnel stretching approximately three kilometres.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Midlands provincial spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko identified the deceased.
They were Francis Manokwe, 36, Lloyd Muza, 33, and Ishmael Msipa, 37.
Police said the three men were working alongside 18-year-old Gaynor Munyuki when disaster struck.
Miner returns from buying food to discover three colleagues dead
According to preliminary police investigations, Munyuki had briefly left the underground mining operation.
He reportedly went to purchase food, leaving the three men inside the tunnel.
During his absence, the miners allegedly inhaled carbon monoxide released by explosives used during their mining activities.
Inspector Mahoko confirmed that the suspected poisonous fumes proved fatal.
“It is believed they inhaled carbon monoxide gases from mining explosives they were using and died instantly,” said Insp Mahoko.
However, the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
When Munyuki returned, he allegedly discovered his colleagues lying lifeless inside the underground shaft.
He subsequently alerted the relevant authorities about the tragedy.
Police officers later arrived at the mine and organised a recovery operation.
They received assistance from fellow artisanal miners to retrieve the three bodies.
Authorities subsequently transported the bodies to Shurugwi District Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examinations.
Police investigate deaths and warn miners about safety
Meanwhile, police have launched investigations to establish exactly how the deadly incident unfolded.
Inspector Mahoko said authorities were investigating the deaths under the Coroner’s Office Act, Chapter 7:21 (Act 12 of 2019).
The investigations will establish the circumstances surrounding the suspected poisoning.
Mahoko also urged artisanal miners to prioritise safety whenever conducting underground mining operations.
He reminded miners to observe established safety regulations and follow procedures outlined in the Mines and Minerals Act.
The tragedy highlights the dangers associated with unsafe underground mining practices.
It also raises concerns about the handling and use of explosives in disused mining shafts.
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