Seven artisanal miners were killed when a mine shaft collapsed at Botha Mine, Bindura, on Saturday, 18 January.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has released the names of five of the seven deceased, identified by their next of kin. They are:
<ul>
<li>Leo Chapondama, a male adult of Maganyani Village, Masembura, Bindura</li>
<li>Zolani Nyani (21), a male adult of Church Road, Chipadze, Bindura</li>
<li>Samson Madyira (20), a male adult of Waerera Village, Masembura, Bindura</li>
<li>Jacob Madyira Nongwe (34), a male adult of Waerera Village, Masembura, Bindura</li>
<li>Mathew Madyira (23), a male adult of Waerera Village Masembura, Bindura.</li>
</ul>
ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the other two victims are yet to be identified by their next of kin.
He also warned the public against conducting mining activities at illegal shafts and disused mine sites.
The current incessant rains have made the ground wet and prone to collapse and mine trappings, Nyathi said.

Pindula News

Seven miners died when a mine in Bindura collapsed. The police identified five of them, but two are still unknown. The police warn people not to mine in dangerous areas. The wet ground can cause more collapses. It's important to stay safe while mining.

Mine Shaft Collapse In Bindura Kills Seven Artisanal Miners

The government has provided a state-assisted funeral for the six artisanal miners who lost their lives in a mine dump landslide in Kwekwe last Thursday.
The tragic incident occurred near the Globe and Phoenix Mine, close to Kwekwe Central Business District.
According to <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/state-assisted-funeral-for-kwekwe-mine-accident-victims/">ZBC News</a>, a funeral parade for the deceased—Simon Chauke, Offias Ncube, Edward Phiri, Gasiyani Banda, Marshall Mpofu, and Ephraim Ncube—was held in Kwekwe on Sunday.
Kwekwe District Civil Protection Unit (CPU) chairperson Fortune Mpungu said:
<blockquote>
We received information that a mine had collapsed and we rushed to the scene. We quickly mobilised resources in the form of excavators and other equipment which we used to dig and retrieve the bodies of the deceased.
We have since activated our CPU and are on the ground assisting with all the necessary work needed there.
</blockquote>
Globe and Phoenix Primary School has been decommissioned after a classroom block collapsed into an underground tunnel during class, injuring students.
A nearby house also collapsed into an underground tunnel a few days later, further raising concerns about the safety of residents in the mining town.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government helped pay for funerals of six miners who died in Kwekwe. Parade for the deceased was held. Civil Protection Unit rushed to scene to get bodies. School decommissioned after collapse. Another building also collapsed. Residents' safety is a concern. News from Pindula News.

Government Offers Funeral Assistance For Six Miners Killed In Kwekwe Landslide

Three artisanal miners tragically lost their lives on Wednesday in Mapinga, reportedly due to inhaling exhaust fumes from a generator they had brought underground.
The generator was being used to power a jackhammer, which was employed to break apart large chrome ore boulders.
As reported by <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/three-die-in-mapinga-chrome-mine-shaft/">The Herald</a>, the bodies of the three men, all aged 27, were recovered around 6 PM, two hours after the accident, and transported to the mortuary at Banket Hospital for post-mortem examinations.
Among the bereaved is 65-year-old Gogo Pamidzai Kaitano, who lost two of her sons in this incident. The third victim was a neighbour of the brothers.
Ellesha Chitiza, a nephew of one of the deceased, shared his account of the tragic event. He said:
<blockquote>
I received a call from Musoja who was sponsoring my uncle, cousin and friend, that something terrible had occurred at the mine.
I rushed to check what had happened. I noticed that the bodies of my uncle and cousin were lying lifeless a few metres from the entrance of the mine. My friend’s body was a distance away from those two.
I went down the shaft to investigate what had caused their death but couldn’t go further as I was now gasping for air. This means that there was a presence of poisonous gas in the shaft.
</blockquote>
He said the generator in question was never found at the scene.
Gogo Kaitano, a resident of Kilmaqdouh Compound near Mapinga Truckstop, is heartbroken after the loss of her sons. Partially blind, she is grappling with profound grief following the tragic accident. She said:
<blockquote>
They were caring for me; as you can see I am partially blind. For the past two months after joining the sector, they bought food and brought other items to the house. They had started working towards constructing a modern house.
</blockquote>
Didymus Mukuya Mangeyi, the son of Gogo Kaitano, appealed to the Government and well-wishers to assist them in such a difficult time.
The Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Minister of State for Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Josphat Jaji, who also chairs the Civil Protection Unit, said the district protection unit had been notified and investigations are underway.
Provincial Minister Marian Chombo expressed her sorrow over the situation, assuring that assistance will be provided to the affected families.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Three miners died in a chrome mine shaft from breathing in fumes from a generator used to power a jackhammer. The bodies were found two hours after the accident. One mother lost her two sons in the incident. A nephew of one of the deceased miners couldn't go far into the shaft because of poison gas. The generator was missing. The mother, who is partially blind, is devastated. Officials are investigating the incident, and help is being offered to the affected families.

Three Miners Die From Exhaust Fumes In Chrome Mine Shaft

Two artisanal miners were killed in an underground explosion while three others who were on the surface, escaped with injuries.
The incident occurred on 8 June 2024 at about noon at Dohwe 118 Gold Mine in Mberengwa.
James Ndebele (38) and Alfred Hove (19) who were underground, died instantly, while the other three who were working outside escaped with injuries, after a burning piece of wood fell on explosives, setting them off.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson in Midlands Province, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, confirmed the incident to the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/two-killed-in-mine-explosion/">Chronicle</a>. He said:
<blockquote>
Ndebele of Maglas Township in Zvishavane and Hove of Village Bricks under Chief Bvute in Mberengwa were working underground in a mine shaft while three other miners were working outside.
Whilst working, Hove asked for fire to light up his cigarette and one of the miners who were outside threw a piece of burning firewood log into the shaft and it landed on top of explosives which exploded instantly killing Ndebele and Hove.
</blockquote>
The miners who were outside the shaft sustained varying injuries after being hit by flying debris caused by the explosion.
Insp. Mahoko urged miners to observe all the safety precautions to avoid such accidents.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Two Miners Killed In Underground Blast After Cigarette Fire Sets Off Explosives

The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has advised artisanal miners to suspend operations during the rainy season because of the extreme risks of flooding, and collapsing shafts and tunnels.
Speaking at a media conference on mining precautions during the rainy season held in Harare on Monday, 15 January, Mines and Mining Development Minister Zhemu Soda also urged large-scale mining companies to observe safe mining methods and be compliant with all governance requirements. Said Soda (<a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/artisanal-mining-stopped-during-rainy-season/">via The Herald</a>):
<blockquote>
The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development would like to advise all miners, large-scale, medium-scale, and small-scale in particular artisanal miners across the country that the onset of the rainy season brings with it grave dangers and risks that are a threat to lives and potential loss of equipment and damage to mines.
During the rainy season we experience heightened risks in the form of flooding, drowning, weakened ground leading to fall and ground subsidence as well as slime dam breaches which unfortunately lead to loss of lives.
As a precaution, small-scale artisanal miners are advised to completely stop mining altogether and resume when the rains stop.
Furthermore, miners should cooperate with instructions given by Government authorities to ensure safe mining operations.
The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development inspectors shall be out in full force to ensure that there is compliance with all governance requirements failure of which punishment will be imposed.
Miners who received awareness training during the safety, health and environment campaigns by our Mining Engineering Department are reminded to put into practice what they learned.
They should also share good mining practices with their colleagues in the sector to save lives.
</blockquote>
Soda said medium and large-scale miners can continue with their operations during the rainy season but they should observe safe mining methods. He said:
<blockquote>
Avoid working or mining along rivers or waterways as shafts are likely to flood from rain upstream posing risks of drowning.
Avoid digging and blasting in old mine workings because soils easily get saturated and the ground becomes unstable and is bound to collapse at any time burying our miners alive. Pillar robbing underground should be avoided at all costs;
Avoid sinking shafts in low-lying areas as there is a danger of mines being flooded by free-flowing waters during the rains; Miners should take measures to divert free-flowing water from flooding workings.
</blockquote>
The suspension of all small-scale mining operations in the country follows the recent collapse of a mineshaft at Metallon Gold’s Redwing Mine in the Tsapauta area of Penhalonga which trapped 15 artisanal miners.
The miners dug their way out of the collapsed mine and eventually emerged onto the surface after four days in the belly of the earth.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Advises Artisanal Miners To Suspend Operations During Rainy Season

Owen Jaison, one of the 14 artisanal miners who were trapped underground for three days after a mine shaft to a tunnel they were working in collapsed at Tsapauta in Penhalonga, Manicaland Province said that their escape from the belly of the Earth was a miracle.
Jaison (24), is from the Insiza District in Matabeleland South province, more than 460km away from Redwing Mine.
Narrating the artisanal miners’ harrowing experience to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200022011/buried-alive-for-3-daysredwing-mine-survivor-recounts-horror">NewsDay</a>, Jaison their escape “proved” to him that miracles exist. He said:
<blockquote>
It can only be God. It was a miracle and I now believe that miracles do happen.
</blockquote>
The horror started in the early hours of 04 January 2024 when Jaison and his colleagues were mining underground. He said:
<blockquote>
We heard a noise and realised that the shaft pillars were falling. We sensed that we were in danger.
The ground was wet and the walls of the shaft continued caving in towards us. The opening of the shaft was closed by sand and we had nowhere to go.
So we went deeper into the mine looking for escape tunnels, but to no avail. There was no time to sleep as we were determined to survive.
</blockquote>
The miners fed on underground tree roots while being haunted by the fear of underground explosions, gas poisoning, suffocation and mine walls caving in. Said Jaison:
<blockquote>
There was no time to sleep as we looked for tunnels to escape. We ate the roots of trees and drank dirty water. Some wept uncontrollably, while others were mired in confusion.
We told ourselves that we had to be psychologically strong. We prayed to God to give us more strength. We developed hope and the quest for survival kept us going.
</blockquote>
However, after three days most of the miners were exhausted and weak. He said:
<blockquote>
We prayed harder and told ourselves that we had to survive, otherwise we were going to die. The ground continued to cave in. So we had to go to the other side where the ground was still intact.
As we crept, pushing against the narrow walls, we noticed a crack and we went to investigate. We realised that the crack had been caused by the collapsed shaft.
We took rods and sticks and started digging into the crack. We dug up and crawled up the crack.
There were four of us who first went up the crack. We held each other’s hands as we dug and crawled up. It was not easy, but we had to survive.
</blockquote>
Jaisone chronicled how they spent hours digging into the crack, determined to reach the surface. He said:
<blockquote>
It was so painful to dig up the crack. Our bodies became weak because of hunger and severe thirst. Some of the younger miners were gripped with the panic of death.
When we realised that we were almost reaching the surface, we shouted to our colleagues to follow us.
The four of us then managed to break out and crawled out to the surface through the crack.
We then saw some people who were moving around searching for us and we shouted for help.
That is when we told them that the other guys were behind us. Fortunately, nine miners came out the way we did.
There were two left who could not make it due to fatigue, that is when the rescue team was notified and they brought a rope to pull them out. That is how we survived.
</blockquote>
Mines and Mining Development Minister Zhemu Soda has since suspended mining activities at Redwing Mine.
However, illegal mining facilitated by political elites and politically connected groups is said to be still taking place at the mine.
Meanwhile, Jaison has decided to take a break from artisanal mining, saying “I cannot gamble my life again”.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Redwing Mine Tunnel Collapse Survivor Recounts Horror

The Government says it has taken action against rogue miners who refuse to follow the law.
The measures taken by the Government to deal with errant miners include imposition of fines, confiscation of explosives and suspensions of operating licences.
This was said by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Jenfan Muswere at a recent Post Cabinet Press Briefing.
Muswere said Cabinet received and adopted a report on the Responsible Mining Audit as presented by the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Zhemu Soda. He added:
<blockquote>
Regarding Small Scale Mines, with a labour force of up to 200 employees, the audit established that most of them are not complying with the legal transportation and licensing issues.
The nation is being informed that in all the identified transgressions, corrective action is taken including the following: imposition of fines; confiscation of explosives; suspensions from operating licences; cautions with instructions to regularise within a stipulated time frame.
The Responsible Mining Audit came up with a number of useful recommendations which the government is implementing and the Inter-ministerial Committee should continue to develop other solutions.
The nation is being informed that large-scale mines, with at least 1 000 employees, are to a large extent, complying with mining laws, environmental laws, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, Immigration, labour and energy regulations. There are however isolated cases where immigration laws are being violated.
</blockquote>
President Emmerson Mnangagwa launched a Responsible Mining Audit on 11 May 2023 aimed at ensuring that all mining operations are conducted in compliance with the country’s laws.
The audit was conducted in eight of the country’s ten provinces namely: Mashonaland Central, Midlands, Masvingo, Manicaland, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Mashonaland West, and Mashonaland East.
The audit covered 422 mining sites or locations in these provinces.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/18/president-mnangagwa-reverses-the-appointment-of-general-valerio-sibanda-to-zanu-pf-politburo/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Suspends Mining Licences For Violating Laws

The Government has appealed to mining companies in Mashonaland West Province to assist in rescuing artisanal miners trapped underground after a mine shaft collapsed at Bay Horse Mine in Chegutu on Friday, <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200017445/chegutu-mine-collapse-govt-appeals-for-help">reported NewsDay</a>.
21 of the illegal miners escaped death. Eight were rescued between Friday night and Saturday morning with four currently in hospital with varying degrees of injury.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Marian Chombo said 10 people have been confirmed dead, while four bodies have since been retrieved.
The bodies were taken to Chegutu District Hospital mortuary.
Addressing relatives of the trapped people, artisanal miners and Bay Horse community members, Chombo said:
<blockquote>
We are not sure of the number but we are told that 42 artisanal miners went underground, but the number could be more since some get inside the mine using undesignated entry points.
I want to thank the local community and fellow artisanal miners who reacted swiftly to rescue eight people alive and retrieve four bodies.
We are now seeking assistance from big mines like Zimplats, Golden Valley and Pickstone Mine among other mines to help in the search for miners still trapped underground.
The mines have expertise and other machines and equipment that could be helpful.
</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/chegutu-mine-disaster-govt-ropes-in-experts/">The Herald</a> reported that Afrochine had by Saturday sent a team of electricians and mining technicians together with equipment to the mine.
The equipment included diesel water pumps to deal with rising water levels in the shaft and to crack a huge bolder.
Bay Horse Mine is a few kilometres from Cricket Mine in Battlefields, also in Mashonaland West Province, which collapsed and killed 23 illegal gold miners in 2019.
Chombo appealed to small-scale miners to be careful in their operations to avoid putting their lives in danger.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chegutu: Govt Appeals For Help To Rescue Trapped Miners

Sebakwe River has been heavily polluted by small-scale and artisanal miners who discharge raw effluent into the river.
This was disclosed by the head of the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) in Kwekwe District, Daniel Magombedze.
He was speaking on the sidelines of the Development of National Environment Plan meeting held in Kwekwe recently. He said:
<blockquote>
We have the problem of water pollution in the district. If one is to look at Sebakwe River, for instance, one will realise that there are serious water pollution challenges in the river.
We have sewage and effluent discharges from mining operations polluting the water. This indeed is a serious cause for concern.
</blockquote>
The pollution of the Sebakwe River poses a danger to farmers downstream who rely on the river for water for domestic use and for their livestock.
Recently, a community borehole in Munyati was poisoned by unknown people. Magombedze said the matter is under investigation. | <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/ema-concerned-with-discharge-of-raw-effluent-in-sebakwe-river/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

Miners Discharge Raw Effluent In Sebakwe River

Three artisanal miners were attacked and killed by two machete-wielding men in Murereka, Mashonaland West Province after a dispute over a girlfriend.
In a statement seen by Pindula News, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said two of the three artisanal miners died on the spot while the other died upon admission to a local clinic. Reads the report:
<blockquote>
ZRP Murereka is investigating a case of murder which occurred on 29/09/22 at Village 19 Shops, Chikuti. Two artisanal mires, Tinashe Nyanguwo (38) and Joshua Kadungure (37) were attacked with machetes by the suspects, only identified as Rastar and Peter after an argument over a girlfriend. Tinashe Nyanguwo died on the spot while Joshua Kadungure died upon admission at a local clinic. 
</blockquote>
Police appealed to members of the public to contact any nearest Police Station if they have information that can be useful in the investigation of the case.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Three Artisanal Miners Killed In A Dispute Over A Girlfriend

Youths who are involved in small-scale mining have appealed to authorities to reduce the mining levies required for one to operate in order to allow growth and development in the sector.
In June 2021, the government, through Statutory Instrument 185 of 2021, announced new mining fees which are considered exorbitant by small-scale miners.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/small-scale-miners-cry-foul-over-exorbitant-taxes/" rel="nofollow">NewZimbabwe.com</a>, Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) youth secretary for Matabeleland North, Nkululeko Ngwenya said the high fees are negatively affecting the growth of the mining sector. He said:
<blockquote>
Mines inspection fee is US$300, Environmental Management Agency (EMA) wants US$250, then the council also wants US$400. The money needed is too much and affects growth in the sector.
We are asking that the government might consider our pleas and reduce operations fees so that the industry may grow and boom, supporting development in the mining sector.
</blockquote>
Ngwenya said the exorbitant fees have hindered many small-scale miners from formally registering and regularising their illegal operations.

Small-scale Miners Plead For Reduction Of Taxes

Mines and Mining Development Deputy Minister Polite Kambamura has implored small-scale miners to temporarily suspend their operations during the ongoing rainy season as they are risking their lives.
Most parts of the country have been receiving heavy rainfall over the past few weeks, making small-scale mining activities dangerous.
Last week Tropical Depression Ana dumped a lot of rainfall across the country and now Tropical Cyclone Batsirai, still in the Indian Ocean, could affect the country’s weather next week.
Kambamura urged small-scale miners to halt their operations as heavy rainfall increases the risk of flash flooding and the collapse of mine shafts. He said:
<blockquote>
The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development is therefore appealing to all miners to suspend operations in areas that have a high risk of faulting until such a time that the weather conditions are favourable.
The Ministry has also advised all the provincial mining offices to keep alert and prepared to deal with the possible dangers that may be caused by tropical Cyclone Batsirai.
</blockquote>
Last week a disused mine shaft collapsed in Chegutu, killing one artisanal miner while four others were rescued.
Kambamura called on miners to put in place safety measures that will enable them to thrive in a safe working environment. He said:
<blockquote>
The Ministry has invested a great deal in the capacity building of the small scale miners in the past few years.
Miners who attended the safety awareness campaigns in 2021 are encouraged to put into practice the skills and knowledge acquired from these campaigns for the betterment of their families and the nation at large.
We need you all alive to participate in the development of our country
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/small-scale-miners-told-to-stop-operations/">The Herald</a></h4>

Small-scale Miners Urged To Suspend Operations

Police in Matabeleland South Province have launched a manhunt for four men in connection with the murder of three artisanal miners over a woman in Lumene, Gwanda District.
The suspects were only identified as Khumalo, Mdawini, Rasta and Godlwayo. They also work as artisanal miners around the Lumene area.
According to Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson for Matabeleland South, Inspector Loveness Mangena, on 15 December this year, Ephat Sibanda (31) and Brian Moyo (30), together with one man only identified as Shorty, were attacked after they allegedly kidnapped a man only identified as Prince whom they found in the company of his girlfriend.
One of the deceased claimed to also have an affair with the lady in question identified as Faith Moyo.
The three men took Prince to their tent where they interrogated him on why he was drinking with one of their girlfriends.
Meanwhile, Prince’s friends, that is, the artisanal miners who are now on the run, organised a rescue mission, and assaulted the three deceased persons with knobkerries, axes and iron bars and left them for dead.
By the time police officers arrived at the scene, the attackers had already fled. Said Inspector Mangena:
<blockquote>
We are still investigating the case where three men were killed in a fight over a girlfriend in Lumene, Matabeleland South.
We hereby appeal to members of the public to assist by coming forward with any information that may lead to the arrest of the accused persons.
We also urge members of the public to desist from carrying dangerous weapons. We appeal to the public to always use non-violent means to resolve conflicts.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/three-dead-in-fight-over-woman/">Chronicle</a></h4>

Three Artisanal Miners Killed Over A Woman

The government plans to have all artisanal miners registered as part of efforts to formalise their operations, curb illegal gold dealing and protect the environment.
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Governor John Mangudya on Monday said a statutory instrument on the requirements for registration was being crafted and would be gazetted soon. He said:
<blockquote>We want to register for the sake of traceability and knowing who you are and where you are from.</blockquote>
Mangudya made the remarks when he appeared before the National Assembly Portfolio Committee on Environment, Climate and Tourism.
Under the envisaged registration system, the miners’ biometric details would be captured and the miner would be issued with a registration number.
Registered miners would also undergo training on environmentally friendly mining methods and land reclamation.
It is estimated that there are between 500 000 and 1.5 million artisanal and small-scale miners, including farmers who do a little gold panning in the offseason, and only 16 per cent are registered.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/rbz-to-formalise-15-million-artisanal-miners/">The Herald</a></h4>

1.5 Million Artisanal Miners To Be Registered

Artisanal miners managed to retrieve bodies of two of the five miners who were trapped after a mine shaft collapsed at Task Mining Syndicate in Chegutu on September 8 as the search for the other three bodies continues.
The artisanal miners ignored a Government directive to stop the search for the bodies when it became apparent that the trapped miners could have died and also the dangers involved in the effort.
The two bodies were discovered 51 days after the incident and were in an advanced state of decomposition.
The body of Shingai Gwatidzo (20), which was among the two that were retrieved on Saturday was buried at Borgan Villa resettlement area in Mhondoro on Sunday while the second body is yet to be identified because of the degree of decomposition.
Apart from Gwatidzo, the other trapped miners were Munashe Nyamukanga (16), Charles Mutume (31), Crynos Nyamukanga (44) and Constantino Dzinoreva (47).
Gwatidzo’s parents said although they had been devastated by the death of their son, the discovery of his body and the fact that they gave him a decent burial had given them peace of mind.
Crynos Nyamukanga’s two wives, Ellen Nyongoro (34) and Elizabeth Nyirenda (40) are still camped at the site hoping that their husband will be found.
Gogo Mutume, who is taking care of Charles Mutume’ two young girls, pleaded with well-wishers to chip in the upkeep of the children left under her care.
Ulate Dzinoreva, whose father (Constantino Dzinoreva) is also yet to be found, said he had premonitions about his untimely death.
Meanwhile, Task Mining Syndicate chairperson, Timothy Masviba said they have raised money for transport and the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) provided five coffins for the burials.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/two-task-mine-bodies-found-one-buried/">The Herald</a></h4>

Two Bodies Of Miners Retrieved From Task Mine, 51 Days After Incident

2 of the artisanal miners reported to be trapped in a shaft since Tuesday last week at Task Mine Syndicate in Chegutu are members of the same family, while the third miner is related to the 2 brothers, It has emerged.
The trapped miners include Constantino Dzinoreva, Crynos Nyamukanga (ages not given), Munashe Nyamukanga (17), Shingai Gwatidzo (20) and a fifth miner only identified as Charles.
Reports indicate that all the miners are still alive but rescuers are failing to reach them as the mine shaft continues to cave in.
While addressing a Senate sitting on Thursday. MDC Alliance Senator Violet Moeketsi raised the matter with Senate President Mabel Chinomona, questioning the legality of the shaft. Said Moeketsi:
<blockquote>Mr President, in Mashonaland West, we have encountered a problem where a family got trapped in a mine; a father, his two children and two grandchildren. There are five people trapped in this mine shaft.
I would like to ask if this mineshaft is documented at law or it is one of those shafts being used by illegal artisanal miners.</blockquote>
However, after speaking to Mining Zimbabwe which was at Task Mine on Saturday, they told us 2 of the trapped miners are brothers while the other miner (name not supplied) is related to the trapped miners.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/five-trapped-miners-belong-to-same-family/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

3 Artisanal Miners Trapped At Task Mine Are Related

Hundreds of artisanal miners have reportedly flocked into Matabeleland South’s Insiza District after huge deposits of gold were reportedly discovered in the area, The Standards reports. The influx of miners reported to have been hired by Zanu PF Insiza North legislator Farai Taruvinga have sparked COVID-19 infections fears in the district.
Godlwayo Community Development Trust director Nkululeko Tshuma spoke to the publication about the Makorokozas and said:
<blockquote>There are roadblocks all over, how do they pass through the roadblocks? Insiza North legislator Taruvinga is part of the district Covid-19 response team and he should be seen to be playing a huge role in enforcing lockdown rules but surprisingly he is at the forefront bending such rules
He is busy bringing many people to mine. At the mine site there is overcrowding. There is no protective clothing, no social distancing, absolutely nothing, what happens in the event of a Covi d-19 outbreak?</blockquote>
However, Farai Taruvinga dismissed Tshuma’s claims and said artisanal miners were put in groups of 10 for them to carry out mining activities while maintaining social distancing at the same time:
<blockquote>Those are lies. There are only groups of 10 people working there and people are working in their pegs.There is no overcrowding.
Miners are preparing to conduct screening and testing and this will be done as soon as possible,</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.thestandard.co.zw/2020/04/26/covid-19-fears-gold-rush-erupts/">The Standard</a>

Insiza District Gold Rush Ignites COVID-19 Fears

An artisanal miner, Nqobizitha Moyo (29) of Douglasdale in Bulawayo was arrested and has been sentenced to three years in prison for kidnapping and assaulting Rangarirai Chinyota Nyoni (35) the brother of his partner.
The state alleges that Moyo kidnapped and assaulted Nyoni to force Nyoni’s younger brother, Innocent Mapuranga to meet and resolve a gold dispute.
The state further claims that on September 10, 2019, at around 11 pm, Moyo visited Nyoni’s house armed with a knife intending to settle a dispute with Mapuranga but he found his brother at home and kidnapped him.
Moyo reportedly assaulted Nyoni and released him after he promised to give him money the following day.
Moyo pleaded guilty when he appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mafios Moyo on Monday. The magistrate sentenced him to five years in jail but conditionally suspended two years.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2020/03/miner-jailed-3-years-for-kidnapping-partners-brother/">NewsDay</a>

Artisanal Miner Kidnaps And Assaults Partner's Brother

The Police in Mashonaland Central Province are working extra hard as Makorokoza flood <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Mazowe">Mazowe</a> making it a criminal metropolis,  Mining Zimbabwe reports.
The publication spoke to <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Mashonaland_Central">Mashonaland Central provincial</a> police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembi who she more light on the matter and said:
<blockquote>These arrests are for the past two months only and we also arrested 170 people for loitering around Jumbo Mine. Pirate taxis are now frequenting the area and we impounded 40 vehicles. Assault cases have also increased in the area and 26 cases were reported at Mazowe Police Station.
We are doing joint operations with our counterparts from the Support Unit. These operations will be continuous across all gold mining areas across the whole province,</blockquote>
Artisanal Miners also known as Makorokoza are usually engaged in illegal mining activities which is dangerous as they sometimes drown in tunnels or sometimes are attacked by rivals groups and machete-wielding gangs, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/MaShurugwi">Mashurugwi</a>.
More: <a href="https://miningzimbabwe.com/10-die-at-jumbo-mine/">Mining Zimbabwe</a>

ZRP In Mashonaland Central Has Arrested 170 Illegal Miners, Impounded 40 Vehicles, Dealt With 26 Assault Cases As Artisanal Miners Flood Jumbo Mine

10 artisanal miners have reportedly died while illegally mining gold at Jumbo Mine in <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Mazowe">Mazowe</a>, Mining Zimbabwe reports.
This was revealed by <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Mashonaland_Central">Mashonaland Central</a> provincial police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe who said:
<blockquote>Between November and December we have recorded 10 deaths at Jumbo Mine. These deaths are being recorded in underground tunnels where the illegal mining activities are rampant. Some of these illegal artisanal miners are being trapped in mining shafts and their bodies are usually retrieved by their colleagues before informing the police.</blockquote>
Although ZRP has an official number of 10, sources that spoke to the publication claim the number is higher than that as some bodies are being dumped in underground tunnels.
More: <a href="https://miningzimbabwe.com/10-die-at-jumbo-mine/">Mining Zimbabwe</a>

10 Artisanal Miners Have Died At Jumbo Mine In The Last 2 Months

The government has said it will soon implement an “eye for an eye philosophy” against illegal artisanal miners who wield machetes against law enforcers.
Said Minister of State for Midlands Affairs, Senator Larry Mavima:
<blockquote>We cannot have a lawless society that terrorises law abiding citizens, it doesn’t matter whether you are an artisanal miner or not.
In this particular case, I want to reiterate that we do not tolerate machete attacks. We do not tolerate violence because there is no need to use force in order to achieve your goals.
Very soon we will be applying for an eye for an eye philosophy or principle. That means that if you have machetes and you meet a law officer, and if they are armed they will retaliate and shoot.
This is because we can allow our young people to become that lawless to the extent that they take the law into their own hands and believe that if he has a machete he is above the law.</blockquote>
More: <a href="http://newziana.co.zw/2019/07/16/police-should-be-merciless-on-makorokoza-minister/">NewZiana</a>

Police Encouraged To Shoot Machete Wielding Artisanal Miners

Gold panners operating in Makaha area in Mudzi, Mashonaland East province are said to be avoiding selling their proceeds to Fidelity Printers and Refiners (FPR), opting rather, to smuggle the yellow metal to Mozambique.
Fidelity Printers and Refiners is owned by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) and buys, refine and exports the gold.
MP for Mudzi South, Jonathan Samkange said that the continuous running battles between the artisanal miners and the police ware to blame for the non-remittance of gold to Fidelity. He said:
<blockquote>The running battles between the people and the police are not good for development, which is why we need to find a lasting solution.</blockquote>
A miner who spoke said that they prefer to sell the gold to Mozambique because police officers are always demanding bribes and also they fetch higher prices in Mozambique. Said the miner:
<blockquote>The police always arrest us if we don’t pay them bribes after selling our gold to Fidelity and avoid them.
We end up crossing into Mozambique where we also fetch better prices than what is offered by Fidelity.</blockquote>
This came out during a meeting in Makaha attended by Samkange, Mashonaland East Resident Minister Apollonia Munzwerengwi and Deputy Mines Minister Polite Kambamura.
The officials were in the area to assess how gold leakages occurred and how they could be curbed.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/miners-dump-fidelity-smuggle-gold-into-moza-claiming-police-harassment/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">New Zimbabwe</a></h4>

Mudzi Gold Panners Shun Fidelity, Smuggle Gold To Mozambique

The two artisanal miners who were accused of murdering 2 soldiers in Bindura have been let free by the Bindura Magistrate’s Court. They were let go after the state failed to link them to the murder.
The two were accused of attacking 3 soldiers (Shaw Tizora, Tawanda Garega and Pumulani Khuumani) with knives during a fight. Tizora and Garega were killed in the alleged attack and Khuumani survived.
The charges were however withdrawn on Thursday withdrawn on 2 May 2019 at the before plea at the Bindura Magistrates’ Courts.
<h3>Related:</h3>
<ul>
<li class="entry-title">
<h4><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/04/19/murder-accused-mashurugwi-appear-court/" rel="bookmark">Murder Accused Mashurugwi Appear In Court</a></h4>
</li>
<li class="entry-title">
<h4><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/04/17/soldiers-police-invade-bindura-following-murder-of-colleagues/" rel="bookmark">Soldiers, Police Invade Bindura Following Murder Of Colleagues</a></h4>
</li>
<li class="entry-title">
<h4><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/04/17/2-soldiers-hacked-to-death-by-gold-panners-in-fight-over-prostitutes/" rel="bookmark">2 Soldiers Hacked To Death By Gold Panners In Fight “Over Prostitutes”</a></h4>
</li>
</ul>

Artisanal miners Latest News

Latest Jobs