A 17-year-old illegal miner died when a shaft at Sunace Mine, on the outskirts of Bulawayo, collapsed, with efforts to retrieve the body still ongoing.
Bulawayo acting Provincial Police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, confirmed the incident, stating that the deceased has been identified as Luckmore Sibanda, from Lukala village under Village Head Walter Ndlovu and Chief Mtshana.
“On the 12th of December 2024, at approximately 3 PM, the deceased’s father was informed by a male adult that Luckmore Sibanda was trapped in a mine shaft. Upon investigation, they found the body trapped under a large boulder about 200 meters underground. Efforts to retrieve the body were unsuccessful, and a police report was filed,” said Assistant Inspector Msebele.
She added that the mine, which was closed due to a lack of a license, was being accessed illegally.
Assistant Inspector Msebele urged members of the public to desist from illegal mining, as it poses significant risks to their lives.
When a CITE news crew visited the site on Monday, miners were observed loitering near shops about 100 meters from the mine. Security officers were on-site, and Chinese personnel were seen nearby alongside a truck reportedly ferrying ore. The mine’s grinding machine was operational, suggesting ongoing activity.
The mine security officer Muzikababa Makwelo narrated the incident.
“One person died underground. A rescue team from DGL5 confirmed the presence of one body. The group involved comprised five individuals—four escaped and alerted the deceased’s family. The father was taken underground and confirmed the tragic situation before the matter was officially reported on Thursday at around 3 PM,” said Makwelo.
He further explained that efforts to retrieve the body were hampered by safety concerns.
“The rescue team observed that the deceased was struck on the head, shoulder, and chest by a large stone. Attempts to move the boulder resulted in it becoming even more lodged. The team estimated a 98.5% risk of further collapse during retrieval efforts. Police and officials from the Ministry of Mines are currently deliberating on the safest approach to retrieve the body,” Makwelo said.
Makwelo revealed that the deceased’s parents remain at the site, anxiously waiting for their son’s body to be recovered.
“It is not true that multiple people died. We have no evidence of other fatalities, and no families have come forward claiming missing relatives. Even the deceased’s father verified this after going underground himself,” he said.
However, Makwelo expressed concerns for the safety of mine security personnel, stating that the mine lacks proper fencing, leaving them vulnerable.
The mine, reportedly previously owned by a German operator, has become a hotspot for illegal mining.
Makwelo noted that tensions frequently arise between security personnel and illegal miners.
“Illegal miners force their way onto the site. Just last month, a violent altercation occurred when miners attacked our Chinese manager, claiming the mine belongs to them as residents of the area. The challenge is that they invite people from other areas who escalate violence. We appeal for assistance—perhaps they can be allocated a different site, given the prevailing drought and lack of employment opportunities,” he said.
