Two illegal miners are suspected to have died on the spot when a 22-meter-deep mine shaft collapsed on them in Mberengwa on 9 January 2025. The incident occurred around 12:00 PM at Knot Brothers Farm.
According to ZRP Midlands spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, the victims, identified as Farai Machenjedze and Desire Mareva, were working underground at the time of the collapse. Three other miners were working outside the shaft when the accident occurred. The shaft caved in suddenly, burying the victims under debris. One miner was heard crying for help, but efforts to rescue them were unsuccessful as the shaft continued to collapse. Machenjedze was later found half-covered in debris, still crying for help.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities noting that the soil in the area was loose and wet due to recent rainfall, which has complicated the recovery efforts. The matter was reported to the police.
The police have urged miners to adhere to safety guidelines in line with the Mines and Minerals Act to prevent such accidents in the future.
