.png)
SHURUGWI – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed a tragic mining accident at Chengxi Gold Mine in Shurugwi that claimed the lives of four artisanal miners.
According to a statement released on the ZRP’s official Twitter account, the incident occurred on 4 September 2025. The miners were prospecting for gold in a disused mineshaft when the shaft collapsed, trapping them inside.
“The ZRP confirms a mine accident which occurred at Chengxi Gold Mine, Shurugwi, on 04/09/25, where four artisanal miners died. The victims, who were prospecting for gold in a disused mineshaft, got trapped after the mineshaft collapsed. The bodies of the victims were retrieved and taken to Gweru Provincial Hospital for a post-mortem,” the police statement read.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collapse and have urged artisanal miners to exercise caution when working in abandoned or unsafe mining areas.
This incident highlights ongoing safety challenges in Zimbabwe’s artisanal and small-scale mining sector, which continues to attract many miners despite the risks associated with abandoned or poorly maintained shafts.
