Seven artisanal miners tragically lost their lives when a disused gold shaft collapsed over the weekend in Bindura, Zimbabwe.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, unfolded about 85 kilometers north of Harare, leaving a somber reminder of the dangers tied to illegal mining.
Police have urged citizens to refrain from operating in unauthorized and abandoned mining shafts, emphasizing the perilous nature of such sites.
Zimbabwe, blessed with abundant reserves of platinum, diamonds, and gold, has seen a surge in illegal mining fueled by its economic struggles.
The police highlighted recent heavy rains as a contributing factor, saturating the ground and heightening the risk of mine collapses.
Among the deceased, five men aged between 20 and 34 have been identified, while efforts continue to locate the families of two others.
While police have not confirmed the number of people trapped during the collapse, local miners reported that 15 individuals were underground.
This tragedy echoes past incidents, including a mine collapse in Chegutu in 2023 that claimed nine lives under similar circumstances.