In a devastating incident at the Tsapauta mining area of Redwing Mine in Penhalonga, Manicaland province, approximately 15 miners are feared dead after a mine shaft collapsed yesterday morning. Redwing Mine is owned by Pedzisai ‘Scott’ Sakupwanya, the legislator for Mabvuku constituency and a Better Brands mining company facility.
Although no official comment was obtained from the mine management, witnesses and coworkers of the missing miners have confirmed the mine shaft collapse to NewsDay. National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi also confirmed the accident, stating that police were informed that 11 people were trapped underground.
The incident occurred on Thursday around 6:00 a.m., as witnesses recount the terrifying moment. “As we were moving on the road to Redwing, we saw the tarred road cracking and, in other parts, collapsing. We thought it was an earthquake, but we soon realized that a shaft had collapsed,” said one witness.
A worker at the mine, who was present during the accident, supported these accounts. Speaking on condition of anonymity due to fear of victimization, the worker stated, “We saw the ground collapsing, and we knew that the shaft had buckled. There were 15 miners working underground when the incident happened. However, the numbers could be higher since there are other illegal miners who mine and poach gold in the same shaft.”
Efforts to rescue the trapped miners faced significant challenges as the rescue team from Redwing Mine reportedly had to abandon their mission due to the unstable nature of the shaft.
Community-based organizations in the area have been vehemently calling for the immediate shutdown of mining operations at Redwing Mine. They are also challenging the government to implement accountability measures that prioritize the protection of people’s lives.
Last year, Sakupwanya conducted a ritual ceremony to cleanse the mine after a series of fatal accidents occurred. Additionally, the Environmental Management Agency halted mining at the site in early last year due to reports of illegal mining practices that had resulted in several deaths.
As the investigation continues and rescue efforts persist, the mining community and local organizations are grappling with the tragic loss of life and demanding urgent action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
