A 22-year-old man has died after gravel collapsed on him while he was conducting gold mining activities along the Tivilili Stream in Chadiza District.
Elias Soko, of Isaac Village in Chief Zingalume’s area, died on Monday after becoming trapped under mud and gravel while digging along the stream.
The incident occurred around 11:00 hours on September 1, 2026.
According to police, Elias had gone to the stream around 07:00 hours with his sister-in-law, Nelia Zulu, and other family members to conduct gold mining activities.
Police say some of the family members later left the area, leaving Elias, Nelia Zulu and his mother, Florence Phiri, at the site when the gravel collapsed on him.
He died at the scene after sustaining serious injuries, including a deep cut to the head, a broken right hand and injuries to his jaw.
Police officers, accompanied by personnel from the Chadiza Town Council Fire Brigade, rushed to the scene following a report of the incident.
Police say no foul play is suspected, and the relatives have been advised to proceed with the burial and mark the grave in case an exhumation or post-mortem examination becomes necessary.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has expressed concern over the loss of life and renewed its call for people to desist from illegal mining activities.
The Ministry says the incident highlights the dangers associated with unregulated mining and has encouraged miners to join formalised mining operations or cooperatives, where they can access technical guidance and support on safer mining practices.
By Rachel Mumba
