Four artisanal miners were left dead in a catastrophic collapse at the disused Chengxi Gold Mine. The men, who were reportedly prospecting illegally, became trapped when the unstable shaft gave way without warning, burying them under tonnes of rock and earth.
Rescue teams faced a perilous and heartbreaking task, with the compromised ground making any swift recovery impossible. After a gruelling multi-day operation, the retrieval teams finally brought the four bodies to the surface this past Tuesday. The remains have since been transported to Gweru Provincial Hospital for official post-mortem examinations.
Shurugwi Mine Collapse Leaves Four Artisanal Miners Dead
The devastating incident has cast a long shadow over the close-knit mining community, highlighting the deadly risks faced by those operating outside the regulated mining sector. Local residents spoke of a grim familiarity with such accidents, driven by economic desperation.
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One distraught community member, who wished to remain anonymous, stated,
“Tinonzwa nezvekufa kwakadai vhiki nevhiki. Zvinorwadza, asi hurombo huri kumanikidza vanhu kuzviisa panjodzi.” (We hear of deaths like this every week. It’s painful, but poverty is pushing people to risk their lives).
Official Warnings Fall On Deaf Ears
In an official communication, the Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the details of the accident, noting the persistent danger of such illegal activities. The police statement revealed,
“The victims, who were prospecting for gold in a disused mineshaft, got trapped after the shaft collapsed.”
Authorities have consistently issued stern warnings against venturing into abandoned mines, which are notoriously unstable and prone to sudden failure. However, the potent lure of instant wealth continues to outweigh these dire warnings for many.
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The police have once again urged all miners to prioritise their safety and to strictly adhere to established mining regulations to prevent further unnecessary loss of life.
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The post Shurugwi Mine Collapse Leaves Four Artisanal Miners Dead appeared first on iHarare News.
