In a near-tragic incident last week, two illegal miners narrowly escaped death at Mazowe’s Lonhro site, a location notorious for unregulated mining activities.
The miners were working underground at the infamous Jumbo Mine when a collapse nearly buried them, caused by dangerous mining practices happening directly above them, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
The individual allegedly responsible for the collapse, known as “Skiri” (not his real name), is reportedly engaged in illegal mining operations at Mazowe Gold Fields Lonhro site. Sources claim that “Skiri” is conducting unregulated mining while collecting undeclared ores and gold, with allegations that he may have close ties with some of the mine’s management. This has allowed him to operate unchecked, despite the dangerous conditions his activities create for others working in the area.
The incident occurred when “Skiri” began opening an open pit above the site where the two miners were working underground, resulting in the collapse. Fortunately, the miners managed to escape with their lives, but the near-miss has intensified concerns over the safety of the Mazowe mine and its growing reputation for deadly accidents.
Mazowe’s Lonhro site has been marred by a string of fatal incidents. Just over the Christmas period, a miner tragically lost his life on Christmas Eve. In early January, three more miners reportedly died following another accident at the same site. These deaths have raised alarms, as many believe that the site, under its current state of operation, is responsible for a significant number of fatalities every year.
The hazardous conditions at Mazowe are largely driven by illegal mining activities, which persist due to a lack of regulation and enforcement. The allure of gold and the economic hardships facing many Zimbabweans push miners into dangerous and unregulated environments, where the risks of fatal accidents are high. These dangers are further compounded by the activities of operators like “Skiri,” who continue to mine recklessly with little regard for safety protocols.
With fatalities mounting, authorities are being called upon to take urgent action to address the ongoing illegal mining operations at Mazowe. The continued loss of life has become a serious concern, with many urging tighter enforcement of mining regulations, improved safety standards, and greater accountability from mine management.
As Zimbabwe pushes to formalize its mining sector, the situation at Mazowe highlights the urgent need for stronger oversight and regulation to prevent further tragedies. Without swift intervention, more lives will be at risk in Mazowe, making it one of the most dangerous mining sites in the country.
The near-fatal accident last week is a stark reminder of the perilous conditions that persist at Mazowe, as miners continue to work in unsafe and unregulated environments in their pursuit of gold. If action is not taken soon, Mazowe risks becoming the site of even more devastating accidents in the near future.