THREE DIE IN ILLEGAL GOLD MINE COLLAPSE IN LUMEZI

Three people tragically lost their lives after a pit they were illegally mining gold in collapsed on Sunday, February 2, 2025, in Lumezi District, Eastern Province.

The fatal incident occurred in the early hours of the morning at around 07:00 hours at a mine located in the Mbuzi area of Cheche Village under Chief Chitungulu. The mine is reportedly owned by an Indian national identified only as Zahid. According to local sources, the victims had entered the tunnel in search of gold when disaster struck. As they worked inside the narrow passage, the walls of the pit suddenly caved in, trapping them beneath the heavy soil and rocks.

Despite desperate efforts by local villagers to rescue them, the victims were buried alive under the rubble. By the time their bodies were recovered, there were no signs of life. The deceased were later identified as Winstone Mwale, 35, his wife Joyce Nkhoma, 30, and Peter Banda, 31, all of Chimwala Village. Their tragic deaths have sent shockwaves through the local community, leaving families devastated and raising concerns over the dangers of illegal mining in the area.

Illegal gold mining has become a growing issue in parts of Eastern Province, attracting individuals willing to take extreme risks in the hope of striking it rich. Many enter unregulated mines without proper safety measures, exposing themselves to life-threatening hazards such as tunnel collapses, suffocation, and even toxic exposure. In the absence of formal mining regulations and enforcement, such accidents have become all too common, often resulting in loss of life.

Local authorities are expected to launch investigations into the matter to determine the circumstances surrounding the collapse and whether any action should be taken against those responsible for operating the mine. Meanwhile, villagers have expressed concern over the increasing number of people engaging in illegal mining activities, fearing that more lives could be lost if stricter measures are not put in place.

As the families mourn their loved ones, the tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the dangers associated with unauthorized mining and the need for improved oversight in mining areas to prevent further loss of life.
By Samuel Khwawe