Three artisanal miners died when a shaft about 20 metres deep collapsed on them while they were working on Monday.
The accident happened at around 4.30 pm on 24 August 2026 at Plot 55, Premier Central in Mutare.
The deceased have been named as Alfred Chimwaza, 36, Joseph Saungweme of Maondo Village under Chief Mutasa, and Peter Tafadzwa Mandiopera.
The three men and their colleagues were reportedly carrying out illegal gold panning at the site when the shaft gave way.
According to Panashe Chimwaza, 22, of Matiza Village under Chief Mutasa, the three had entered the shaft when it suddenly collapsed, trapping them under rubble.
Other gold panners who were at the site rushed to rescue them.
Mandiopera was pulled out and rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
The rescue effort continued, and Chimwaza and Saungweme were later retrieved, but they had also died.
Manicaland acting provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the incident and said police are investigating.
“The case was reported at Old Mutare Police Base, and investigations are in progress,” Assistant Inspector Chinyoka told The Midweek Watch.
He urged people involved in mining to prioritise safety and avoid entering dangerous or unstable shafts.
The bodies were taken to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examinations.
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