Staff Reporter
KWEKWE – Two artisanal miners died after a section of a mine shaft collapsed on them while working at Vigilant Mine in Kwekwe on Monday evening.
Three other miners who were working with them escaped unhurt.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident, identifying the deceased as Busani Nyathi and Proud Maphosa.
“We confirm receipt of a report of a mine accident which claimed the lives of two miners while three others managed to escape at Vigilant Mine, Kwekwe, on July 7, 2026, at about 7pm,” said Inspector Mahoko.
He said the five miners were working underground at a depth of about 200 metres when a block of soil collapsed from the roof of the shaft, trapping the two men beneath the debris.
The other three miners managed to escape safely and alerted authorities.
Police attended the scene and retrieved the bodies of the deceased.
Inspector Mahoko urged miners to prioritise safety and adhere to mining regulations.
“We remind all persons involved in mining activities to follow all safety guidelines provided under the Mines and Minerals Act [Chapter 21:05] to prevent avoidable loss of life,” he said.
The accident comes after three miners died when a disused mine shaft collapsed in the Battlefields area in March.
