Four Artisanal Miners Die in Mazowe Shaft Collapse

Four artisanal miners died after a shaft collapse in Mazowe (image source)

Four artisanal miners died when a gold mine shaft collapsed at Umsasa Farm in Mazowe’s Mamini area on 28 September, in yet another reminder of the deadly risks faced by Zimbabwe’s small-scale miners. Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the victims as Alton Sibanda (25) of Zhombe, Prince Gobvu (19) of Mhondoro, Kenneth Mhandire (24) of Harare, and Tapiwa Meskano (26) of Goromonzi. Their bodies were retrieved from the shaft and taken to Concession Hospital for post-mortem examinations.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that mine operators should prioritise safety protocols and conduct regular mine inspections to identify potential hazards,” said Commissioner Nyathi in a statement.

According to police data, between January and May 2025, Zimbabwe recorded 59 fatal mining accidents and 70 deaths, compared with 58 accidents and 72 deaths during the same period in 2024. The previous year, 2023, saw 212 deadly accidents resulting in 237 fatalities, the majority in unregulated artisanal mines.

Mining unions and safety experts say the pattern reflects chronic neglect of safety standards and the lack of regular inspections in informal operations. Many artisanal miners continue working in unstable shafts without helmets, ventilation or rescue plans — conditions that make every collapse a potential mass casualty.

Authorities are investigating whether the Umsasa shaft was registered or operating illegally. The incident has renewed calls for government and mining unions to accelerate reforms, improve oversight and enforce mandatory safety training. Advocates argue that formalising small-scale mining is essential to protecting workers and reducing preventable deaths in one of the country’s most dangerous yet economically vital industries.