Six Illegal Miners Killed in Tragic Hoist Accident at Mazowe Mine
Six illegal miners died and four others were severely injured on Friday morning in a harrowing incident at Mazowe Mine in Mashonaland Central Province.
The miners were being hauled to the surface in a hoist when it suddenly failed, plunging them 45 meters down a disused shaft.
Fatal Accident Occurred During Illegal Night Operation
According to mine officials, the group had entered the abandoned shaft at around 7PM on July 17.
The accident occurred around 10AM the following day as the miners attempted to return to the surface with gold ore.
The shaft, part of an area no longer in use, has become a hotspot for illegal mining and associated criminal activity.
The deceased have been identified as:
- Milton Trust Ngonzwe (24) – Nyanga
- Sebastian Dzaingwa (33) – Sanyati
- Tawanda Nyandoro (41) – Gokwe
- Edger Magenya (30) – Kwekwe
- Elvis Kasaira (38) – Mutoko
- Abel Majangara (25) – Buhera
Injured Miners Sustain Serious Trauma
Four other miners survived but with grave injuries.
A spokesperson for Mazowe Mine confirmed that the injured suffered “broken bones, deep cuts, and bruises.” All are receiving treatment, but their conditions remain critical.
Also Read: Tragedy As Two Men Killed In Explosion While Warming Themselves By The Fire At Mazowe Mine
Warnings Ignored Despite Court Order and Prior Fatalities
Mazowe Mine, previously owned by Metallon Gold and now under Namib Minerals, has been dormant since 2018.
Despite a court order halting illegal mining, and a government directive issued in April following another deadly hoist failure that claimed three lives, the disused sections of the mine remain a magnet for illegal miners.
The mine expressed concern over what it sees as inadequate police enforcement, warning that the failure to act will result in more deaths. Just in the past week, three murders were reported at the site.
Hope on the Horizon as Mine Eyes $300 Million Revival
Namib Minerals, now in control of Mazowe Mine, announced plans to inject $300 million into reviving operations across Mazowe, Redwing, and Jumbo mines.
The investment follows a signed agreement with Metallon Gold. While the mine’s revival could restore order and provide legal employment, current conditions remain deadly for those engaging in unlawful mining.
Follow Us on Google News for Immediate Updates
The post Mazowe Mine Horror: Six Illegal Miners Killed in Hoist Accident appeared first on iHarare News.
