A 22-year-old man of Chadiza District has died after gravel collapsed on him while mining for gold. Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed the incident to the media. Mr Mweemba said the incident occurred yesterday, September 1, 2026 at around 11:00 hours along Tivilili stream. He said the deceased has […]
A 22-year-old man of Chadiza District has died after gravel collapsed on him while mining for gold.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed the incident to the media.
Mr Mweemba said the incident occurred yesterday, September 1, 2026 at around 11:00 hours along Tivilili stream.
He said the deceased has been identified as Elias Soko, 22, of Isaac village, in Zingalume chiefdom.
“Brief facts are that yesterday, Tuesday, at around 07:00 hours, Soko went to Tivilili stream to conduct gold mining activities in the company of his sister-in-law, identified as Nelia Zulu, 35 and seven other family members,” Mr Mweemba narrated.
He said upon arrival, they started digging mud along the stream.
“Later, the other six family members left, leaving Elias Soko, Nelia Zulu and his mother Florence Phiri, when the gravel collapsed on Elias Soko who died on the spot,” Mr Mweemba said.
The Eastern Police Commanding Officer said the matter was reported to the police and officers rushed to the scene in the company of officers from the Fire Brigade department.
He said the deceased was trapped under the mud and sustained a deep cut on the right side of the head, a broken right hand, a depressed forehead and a broken jaw.
Mr Mweemba said police do not suspect any foul play.
“Relatives have been advised to proceed with burial while marking the grave,” he said..
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