The government has officially ended the search for more bodies at the Sensele open pit mine in Chingola, nine months after the tragic accident that trapped over thirty small-scale miners.
Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe, announced that after extensive efforts, a total of 26 bodies have been recovered and buried, while one miner survived the incident.
Despite the exhaustive search, about 12 bodies have not been found, leading to the difficult decision to conclude the operation.
Mr. Kabuswe explained that continuing the search has become increasingly hazardous due to the unstable conditions at the site, with the risk of wall collapses posing a serious threat to the safety of the search teams.
The onset of the rainy season has added to the urgency of ending the mission.
Echoing these concerns, Copperbelt Province Minister Elisha Matambo expressed his condolences to the families affected by the tragedy and reiterated the provincial government’s support for the decision to end the search.
Mr. Matambo stressed the importance of prioritizing the safety of those involved in recovery efforts, given the dangerous conditions at the site.
Both ministers emphasized the government’s commitment to cracking down on illegal mining activities, which have been responsible for numerous fatalities across the country.
Meanwhile families have called for the closure the pit fearing that more youths would lose their lives.
By Lovemore Sondashi