Four Artisanal Miners Killed in Shaft Collapse at Sabi Vlei Mine

Four artisanal miners have died following a shaft collapse at Sabi Vlei Mine in the Mazvihwa area on Friday morning, in one of the deadliest mining accidents reported in the district this year. According to authorities, three miners died at the scene after being trapped underground, while a fourth succumbed to severe injuries at a local hospital after being rescued. Darlington Chokera, the District Development Co-ordinator for Zvishavane, confirmed the incident and said the bodies had been retrieved.

“It is with a heavy heart that we confirm the death of four artisanal miners following a shaft collapse at a mine in Mazvihwa,” Chokera said. “Three died on the spot while one passed on at the hospital after sustaining serious injuries during an attempt to escape.”

Community members, together with emergency teams from the Civil Protection Unit (CPU), rushed to the scene shortly after the collapse was reported. Rescue teams worked for several hours to recover the bodies from the rubble, highlighting the difficult and dangerous conditions often associated with artisanal mining operations. Residents in Mazvihwa described the tragedy as one of the worst incidents to hit the area in recent months, with the community now in mourning.

“We heard the ground give way, and people started shouting for help,” said an eyewitness from the area. “By the time rescuers arrived, it was already too late for some of them.”

Charlton Murove, chairperson of the Midlands Provincial Civil Protection Unit, said the government was deeply saddened by the loss of life and urged miners to prioritise safety.

“While artisanal mining remains an important source of livelihood, operators must ensure that safety standards are observed to prevent such tragic incidents,” Murove said.

Mining experts say shaft collapses are often linked to poor structural support, lack of proper equipment, and unsafe excavation practices common challenges in informal mining operations across Zimbabwe.

“Artisanal miners frequently operate without adequate geological assessments or reinforcements,” said a mining safety analyst. “This significantly increases the risk of collapses, especially during deeper excavations.”

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said investigations into the incident are ongoing, with efforts underway to establish the exact cause of the collapse. Authorities are also working to identify the deceased, with names expected to be released once the next of kin have been notified. The tragedy has once again drawn attention to the dangers faced by thousands of small-scale miners across Zimbabwe, many of whom rely on informal mining for survival amid limited employment opportunities. Calls are growing for stricter enforcement of safety regulations, improved training, and support for artisanal miners to prevent further loss of life.

Zvishavane mine accident