Six perish in Shurugwi mine collapse
n By Dumisani Ndlovu n nn n A tragic incident unfolded at Wonderer Mine in Shurugwi, where a shaft collapse claimed the lives of four artisanal miners. One individual remains is reportedly unaccounted for, believed to be trapped beneath the
anostrofy By Dumisani Ndlovu
A tragic incident unfolded at Wonderer Mine in Shurugwi, where a shaft collapse claimed the lives of four artisanal miners. One individual remains is reportedly unaccounted for, believed to be trapped beneath the rubble. The collapse occurred in the coconut section of the mine, roughly 4.5 kilometers southeast of the Shurugwi town, late Thursday evening.
According to eyewitness accounts, the miners had sent a colleague to fetch food. Upon his return, he found the shaft had caved in, sealing off access and trapping his companions. No survivors were recovered.
In a desperate attempt to save lives, nearly 50 local miners from surrounding claims—Coconut, Gara, Chimona, Nduku Kapeta, and Sibanda—rushed to the site. Despite their efforts, the rescue mission proved futile.
The cause of the collapse remains uncertain, though one source pointed to the deteriorating condition of abandoned support pillars deep within the shaft. Rescue operations began around 10 a.m. and by midday, the first body was recovered. By 4 p.m., all four had been retrieved and transported to Shurugwi Police Station before being taken to the mortuary.
While a CID mineral officer confirmed the incident, Acting Midlands provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Xolani Dube stated he was unaware of the details and would follow up and revert back to you.
“At this point, I am not aware of the details surrounding the incident. I will follow up,” said Acting Midlands provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Xolani Dube.
As the bodies were brought to the surface, grief hung heavy in the air. Families gathered at the site, their cries echoing through the hills—a sign of the human cost behind the country’s mineral wealth.
Zimbabwe’s mining sector, rich in gold, platinum, and diamonds, continues to be plagued by frequent accidents. Informal mining practices and neglected safety protocols contribute to the recurring tragedies. In 2019, heavy rains led to the drowning of dozens of miners at Silver Moon and Cricket mines near Kadoma.
In the dust and heat of Shurugwi, miners dig not just for gold, but for survival.
