A house in Kwekwe’s Globe and Phoenix mining area partially collapsed into an underground mine shaft this week. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, as the house was unoccupied at the time of the incident.
An eyewitness at the scene described the dramatic collapse, which has once again highlighted the dangers posed by illegal mining activities in the area.
The Globe and Phoenix Mine, pegged in 1894, holds historical significance as one of Zimbabwe’s oldest mines. However, years of unchecked artisanal mining have created a network of unstable tunnels beneath the community, posing a growing risk to residents.
This latest collapse follows a series of incidents in the area. In March 2023, a classroom block at Globe and Phoenix Primary School caved in due to underground tunnels, leaving several students injured.
Authorities are under increasing pressure to address the safety concerns surrounding the mine and enforce regulatory measures to prevent further tragedies.
