KADOMA – A devastating mining accident claimed the lives of six men after an underground shaft unexpectedly filled with water, trapping the workers deep below. The tragedy has left families and entire communities in Kadoma and surrounding areas in mourning.
National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the magnitude of the incident, describing it as a fatal mine accident. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms a fatal mine accident in which six miners were killed when an underground shaft they were working on flooded,” he stated.
The victims have now been officially identified by their next of kin. All six were from the Umbark area in Kadoma and Maratonga Village, communities that are still coming to terms with the loss of these men, many of whom were central figures in their families and neighbourhoods.
The deceased miners are:
Jacob Maposa of Plot 31, Umbark
Colleen Sibanda of Plot 31, Umbark
Nevers Makarichi of Plot 21, Umbark
Simbarashe Bangira of Plot 42, Umbark
Danai Mashoko of Plot 42, Umbark
Givemore Chiredzi of Maratonga Village
According to police reports, the men were trapped underground with no chance of escape as water rapidly engulfed the shaft. Heavy rains preceding the incident are believed to have caused the sudden flooding, a grim reminder of the inherent risks faced by miners during the rainy season.
Six Miners Die in Kadoma Shaft Flooding Accident
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with emergency personnel rushing to the mine as local residents watched in disbelief. Rescue teams were unable to reach the trapped miners in time due to the speed at which the water rose, leaving families devastated by the sudden and tragic loss.
Mining accidents such as this underscore the persistent dangers in Zimbabwe’s artisanal and small-scale mining sector, where safety measures are often difficult to enforce and weather-related risks can turn fatal in moments. Experts say that underground shafts are particularly vulnerable during heavy rainfall, and strict monitoring is required to prevent disasters.
Commissioner Nyathi used the tragedy to issue a stern warning to the mining sector, stressing the importance of compliance with established safety regulations. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that miners should strictly adhere to the country’s mining safety regulations to safeguard human lives,” he said.
He further urged miners and mining operators to exercise extreme caution during the rainy season. “Miners must avoid shafts that are prone to flooding after rainfall and ensure that all preventive measures are in place before entering underground operations,” Nyathi added.
The local mining community and authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident to determine whether safety protocols were followed and whether any preventable factors contributed to the tragedy. Initial assessments suggest that while the sudden flooding was triggered by heavy rains, the lack of early warning systems and emergency drainage mechanisms in some shafts may have exacerbated the situation.
Families of the deceased have called for greater oversight of mining activities and stricter enforcement of safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Community leaders have also appealed for support from government agencies and mining associations, highlighting the broader risks faced by miners who often work in challenging and hazardous conditions with limited resources.
The accident has reignited discussions on the need for improved occupational safety in Zimbabwe’s mining industry, particularly in the artisanal and small-scale sector, which employs thousands of workers nationwide. Authorities continue to stress that adherence to safety standards, proper shaft maintenance, and continuous monitoring during adverse weather are essential to safeguarding lives.
As the Umbark and Maratonga communities grieve, arrangements are underway for memorial services and burial ceremonies. The loss of these six men serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers miners confront daily and the urgent need for stronger safety enforcement in underground operations.
Police have pledged to continue investigations and to work with local and national mining authorities to ensure that lessons are learned from this tragedy, with the aim of preventing future incidents. In the meantime, families, friends, and communities remain united in mourning the lives lost and in calling for enhanced protections for all those who work in Zimbabwe’s mining sector.
Source- iHarare
