BY STAFF REPORTER 

Seven artisanal miners were killed following a mine shaft collapse at the disused Botha gold mine in Bindura on Saturday.

In a statement, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the tragic incident and released the names of five of the victims who were all men from villages in Bindura.

Police identified the victims as Leo Chapondama from Maganyani Village, Masembura; Zolani Nyani, 21, from Church Road, Chipadze; Samson Madyira, 20; Jacob Madyira Nongwe, 34; Mathew Madyira, 23, all from Waerera Village, Masembura, Bindura.

The remaining two victims have not yet been identified, as authorities await confirmation from their next of kin.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police warns the public against conducting mining activities at illegal shafts and disused mine sites as the current incessant rains have made the ground wet and prone to collapse and mine trappings,” Commissioner Nyathi said.

Fatal accidents during rampant illegal mining activities are common in Zimbabwe during the rain season. Authorities discouraged artisanal mining activities in the country citing the prevalence of mine accidents during the wet period.