Bodies of two artisanal gold miners recovered after mine shaft collapse in Mberengwa
By Dumisani Ndlovu
The Mberengwa Civil Protection Unit (CPU) has successfully recovered the remains of two artisanal gold miners who perished in a mine shaft collapse on January 9.
Vafios Hlabati, the Mberengwa District Development Coordinator and chairperson of the District CPU, confirmed that the bodies were retrieved six days after the incident. By then, the remains were already decomposing.
The victims, Desire Mareva (27) from Taruvinga Village, and Farai Machenjedze (23) from Chief Madamombe’s area in Chivi District, were working in a 22-meter-deep shaft at Knot Brothers Farm when it collapsed. “We are relieved that we have managed to locate and retrieve the bodies after several days of searching,” said Hlabati.
He explained that the recovery efforts were delayed due to persistent rains, which made accessing the collapsed shaft challenging. Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko reported that the two victims were working underground, while three other miners were on the surface.
“The mine shaft suddenly collapsed, burying the victims under debris. One of them could be heard crying for help,” said Inspector Mahoko. Attempts by their colleagues to rescue them were unsuccessful as the shaft continued to collapse. Inspector Mahoko noted that the loose and rain-soaked soil made rescue operations extremely difficult. He emphasized the importance of adhering to safety regulations outlined in the Mines and Minerals Act.
