SILOBELA – All seven bodies of the miners who were trapped after the collapse of Bharachwathi Mine were recovered on Friday evening, concluding a three-day rescue operation.
The Kwekwe District Civil Protection Unit (CPU) chairperson and District Development Coordinator, Fortune Mpungu, confirmed the conclusion of rescue operations following the successful recovery of the last of the seven trapped gold miners.
“I can confirm that we had a very successful rescue operation on the 7th of November, 2025. The operations began on the 6th of November and we managed to retrieve the bodies at around 8 p.m. yesterday,” he said.
Mpungu added that the miners’ bodies were taken to Doves Funeral Services, and their families will receive state-assisted funerals.
“The government, through His Excellency, the President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, will provide coffins for the deceased, as well as transport to their final resting places. We will also be providing food for the mourners. That’s what the government will be doing during this period of mourning,” said the CPU chairperson.
The community has rallied behind the bereaved families. Member of Parliament for Silobela Constituency, Jonah Nyevera, provided tents, US$200 to each family, US$1000 to the small-scale miners who assisted in the rescue, and food for the rescue team.
Other organisations and individuals who contributed to the rescue efforts include Bravo, Jena Mines, Thokozani Moyo, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Zimbabwe National Army, and Zibagwe Rural District Council Ward 21 Councillor Jason Deetlefs.
Mpungu urged miners to avoid working underground during the rainy season, warning that the wet and weakened ground poses significant risks.
