Fifteen artisanal miners who were reported to be marooned near Star Mine in Mberengwa District are currently safe, authorities have confirmed.
According to the District Development Coordinator for Mberengwa, Vafios Hlavati, the group consists of two women, 12 men and a young child who are staying on a small island close to the mining area.
Hlavati said the miners had set up tents and makeshift tuckshops at the site and were not in immediate danger despite being temporarily cut off by rising water levels.
Officials have been in contact with the group by phone and confirmed that their basic needs are currently being met.
“Food is not a problem because there are tuckshops at the site. They are also not being affected by rain as they are staying in tents, and the water is now beginning to recede,” Hlavati said.
Authorities say the miners remain safe for now while monitoring the situation closely. Once access to the area is restored, police are expected to move in and remove all people from the site as part of efforts to address illegal mining activities in the area.
The situation remains under observation as officials wait for water levels to drop further, allowing safe access to the marooned group.
