The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has released the names of seven artisanal miners who tragically died after being trapped underground when a mine shaft they were prospecting for gold flooded in Silobela following heavy rains.
The incident occurred last Wednesday at Auriga 47 Mine, Base Mineral Block, Nzwananzwi Village, Silobela, and the bodies were recovered two days later.
The deceased have been identified as Billion Bhebhe, Oscar Bafana, Amos Bafana, John Dube, Albert Nhengure, and Qhubekani Mahlube—all from Nazareth Village, Ntobankala area, Chief Malisa in Silobela—and Mkhululi Moyo from Nzwananzi Village under Chief Sigodo in Zhombe.
The government declared the incident a State-assisted funeral, supporting the families of the deceased, including coffins, transport to burial sites, and food for mourners.
Silobela Member of Parliament, Jona Nyevera (ZANU PF), also contributed by providing tents and US$1,000 to assist the miners who entered the shaft to recover the bodies, as well as US$200 to each bereaved family.
