The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has released the names of six miners who perished following an underground shaft flooding at Golden Reef Mine in Etina, Kadoma.
In a statement released on Friday, Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the victims were trapped after water rushed into the shaft they were working in, causing a sudden and deadly inundation.
The deceased were identified as
- Jacob Maposa, a male adult of plot 31 Umbark, Kadoma
- Colleen Sibanda, a male adult of 31 Umbark, Kadoma
- Nevers Makarichi, a male adult of 21 Umbark, Kadoma
- Simbarashe Bangira, a male adult of plot 42, Umbark, Kadoma
- Danai Mashoko, a male adult of plot 42 Umbark, Kadoma
- Givemore Chiredzi, a male adult of Maratonga Village, Kadoma
Police urged miners across the country to exercise extreme caution, particularly during the rainy season when flooding risks increase.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that miners should strictly adhere to the country’s mining safety regulations to safeguard human lives. Above all, miners should avoid entering shafts that are prone to flooding, particularly during and after rainfall,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
The rainy season traditionally claims the lives at poorly managed mine sites across the country. Despite calls from relevant authorities and mining bodies, artisanal miners continue to lose their lives unnecessarily, prompting calls for artisanal mining to be stopped during the rainy season.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.
