A community in Silobela is in mourning following the deaths of seven artisanal miners who were trapped underground when a mine shaft filled with water after recent heavy rains.
The incident took place last Wednesday at Auriga 47 Mine, Base Mineral Block, in Nzwananzwi Village. Rescue efforts were hampered by the flooding, and it took two days before all the bodies could be recovered.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has released the names of the men who lost their lives. Six of them — Billion Bhebhe, Oscar Bafana, Amos Bafana, John Dube, Albert Nhengure and Qhubekani Mahlube — were all from Nazareth Village, Ntobankala area under Chief Malisa in Silobela.
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The seventh miner, Mkhululi Moyo, came from Nzwananzi Village in Zhombe under Chief Sigodo.
Their deaths have left families and neighbours grieving deeply, especially in communities where artisanal mining has become both a source of livelihood and a daily gamble with danger. Many said the men were known for working together, sharing tools, food, and the hope of striking enough gold to support their households.
Government has extended a State-assisted funeral to all seven families. The assistance includes coffins, transportation of the bodies to their respective homes and burial places, and food provisions for mourners.
Local Member of Parliament, Jona Nyevera, also offered support on the ground, donating tents for the funerals and providing US$1,000 to the miners who volunteered to retrieve the bodies from the shaft. Each bereaved family was also given US$200 towards funeral costs.
Community leaders say the tragedy has once again highlighted the hazardous conditions artisanal miners work under — often without protective equipment, formal safety supervision, or secure mine structures. With the rainy season underway, flooded tunnels and collapsing shafts pose an even greater risk.
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