Tragic Death of Teenager in Illegal Gold Mining In...

Tragic Death of Teenager in Illegal Gold Mining Incident

Zim Now Writer

A 17-year-old teenager, Luckmore Sibanda, tragically lost his life on Thursday in a disused mine shaft at Sunace Mine, located in Umguza District, Matabeleland North, while engaging in illegal gold mining activities with four friends.

Sibanda was reportedly crushed by a large rock that fell on him as he was illegally digging for gold in a mine shaft that had been abandoned for decades. His four companions, two of whom are believed to be teenagers, managed to escape without injury and later alerted the authorities to the incident, although they were unsure if Sibanda was still alive.

According to Zimbabwe Republic Police acting spokesperson for Bulawayo Province, Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, the incident was confirmed.

She stated that Sibanda’s father was informed by an adult male about the accident and went to investigate.

Upon reaching the site, they discovered Sibanda’s body trapped under a large rock, which could not be retrieved by the team.

“The mine was closed, and the deceased and his colleagues were engaged in illegal mining,” Msebele said, emphasizing the danger of such activities.

Sibanda’s father, Never Sibanda, shared his sorrow in an interview, revealing the family’s devastation.

“Chances of his body being retrieved from the shaft are slim. He was crushed by a large rock, which must be moved to retrieve his body, something we believe may not be possible,” he said.

The father expressed his pain at losing his son at such a young age, especially as Luckmore had chosen to join his friends in gold mining instead of staying in school.

Muzikababa Makwelo, the security supervisor at Sunace Mine, explained that the chances of retrieving Sibanda’s body from the shaft were less than two percent.

He added that it would be too risky to send a rescue team into the mine due to the unsafe conditions.

Makwele also revealed the ongoing struggle to prevent illegal miners from accessing the site.

“We have in the past tried to seal off the entrances of the disused shafts, but they always find a way in to dig for gold,” he said, citing frequent clashes with miners who carry dangerous weapons like machetes and knives.