Kwekwe Central Member of Parliament Judith Tobaiwa has urged the government to implement stricter regulations for artisanal and small-scale mining to prevent further mining-related accidents.
Speaking at the funeral service for six miners who perished when a shaft collapsed at Homestake Mine in Kwekwe, Tobaiwa emphasized the need for a structured framework to manage operations in the sector.
“The government must enforce more organized artisanal mining practices to reduce these tragic incidents,” Tobaiwa said.
Kwekwe Ward 8 Councillor Edumakomborero Mlambo echoed her concerns, highlighting the importance of safety measures for artisanal miners.
“These accidents are preventable if proper systems are put in place to regulate operations,” Mlambo said.
The six victims were trapped when the mine shaft gave way, underscoring the hazards faced by miners working in unregulated conditions. Authorities are now under pressure to address safety concerns in small-scale mining, a sector that has grown rapidly but remains largely informal.