Two Dead, Two Trapped After Mine Shaft Collapse in Chegutu

Two artisanal miners have died following a mine shaft collapse at Mutowe Shaft, Elvington Mine in Chegutu, as concerns mount over safety in Zimbabwe’s small-scale mining sector. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the fatal incident, which occurred on Friday, 1 May 2026, in Gadzema. Authorities said six miners managed to escape from the shaft, while one sustained injuries.

Josphat Jaji, permanent secretary in the Office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, said two additional miners remain trapped underground.

“Yes, we have been informed of the Chegutu mine accident. Two people have been confirmed dead, while two others are still trapped underground,” Jaji said. “There were nine people in the shaft, and five managed to come out alive.”

Rescue efforts were ongoing at the time of reporting, with authorities and local teams working to reach those still trapped beneath the rubble.

The incident has renewed scrutiny of safety conditions in Zimbabwe’s artisanal and small-scale mining sector, which has been plagued by frequent accidents. Farai Maguwu, director of the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG), said the accident reflects persistent regulatory failures.

“If you look at this Elvington mine accident, it’s not the first time, which shows a lack of enforcement of mining regulations,” Maguwu said. “Years back, after a mine accident, operations would be halted and thorough investigations conducted to prevent a recurrence.”

Mining accidents, particularly shaft collapses, have become increasingly common in Zimbabwe, often linked to unsafe working conditions, inadequate equipment, and weak oversight. Artisanal miners, who operate largely outside formal regulatory frameworks, are especially vulnerable to such incidents due to limited access to safety training and protective infrastructure.

Experts and advocacy groups continue to call for stricter enforcement of mining laws, improved safety standards, and formalisation of small-scale mining operations to reduce fatalities. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased, pending notification of next of kin.

Chegutu mine accident