By Rex Mphisa
THE seven artisanal miners trapped at their mine in Silobela after a heavy downpour on Wednesday have been found dead.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the deaths.
“The ZRP confirms a mine accident which occurred on 05/11/25 at Auriga 47 Mine, Base Mineral Block, Nzwananzwi Village, Silobela. Seven artisanal miners were trapped after the shaft they were working in flooded following heavy rains.,” ZRP said in a statement.
“The bodies of the seven victims were retrieved from the shafts on 07/11/25. The names of the victims will be released in due course once they have been identified by their next of kin,” said the statement signed by national police spokesman Senior Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
The Zimbabwe Mining Safety Health Environmental Council in its condolence message warned artisanal miners to be wary of effects of climate change.
Philemon Mokuele who is the spokesperson and director at Zimshec said miners must ensure all precautionary measures are observed.
Scientists believe abnormal downpours experienced in different parts of the world are a direct result of climate change.