Harare,  (New Ziana) – A mining tragedy at Umsasa Farm in the Mamini area of Mazowe, about 36 kilometers north of Harare, has claimed the lives of four young men after a shaft collapsed last Sunday.

Police national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident in a statement on X, saying the bodies of the victims were retrieved from the shaft and taken to the Concession District Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examinations.

The deceased were identified as Alton Sibanda (25) of Thlavati village, Zhombe in Midlands province, Prince Gobvu (19) of Mhariwa village, Mhondoro in Mashonaland West, Kenneth Mhandire (24) of Eastview, Harare and Tapiwa Meskano (26) of Chikwaka village, Goromonzi district in Mashonaland province.

The tragedy has left four families in mourning and once again drawn attention to the dangers associated with unsafe mining practices in gold-rich districts of the country. Comm Nyathi stressed that mine operators should strictly adhere to safety protocols and conduct routine inspections to prevent similar disasters.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that mine operators should prioritize safety protocols and above all conduct regular mine inspections to identify potential hazards,” he said.

Mining accidents remain a recurring challenge in artisanal and small-scale operations across Zimbabwe, where many miners often work under unsafe conditions in search of livelihood opportunities.

Authorities have consistently urged strict compliance with safety standards to save lives and the latest incident in Mazowe adds to the growing calls for increased regulation and improved safety awareness in mining communities.

New Ziana