A devastating mining accident has occurred at Chengxi Gold Mine in Shurugwi, Zimbabwe, claiming the lives of four artisanal miners. According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the incident happened on September 4, 2025, when the miners were prospecting for gold in a disused mineshaft that suddenly collapsed, trapping them underground.

The police confirmed that the bodies of the victims were retrieved and taken to Gweru Provincial Hospital for a post-mortem examination. This tragic incident highlights the ongoing safety challenges in Zimbabwe’s artisanal and small-scale mining sector, which continues to attract many miners despite the risks associated with abandoned or poorly maintained shafts .

Mine collapses involving artisanal miners are common in Zimbabwe, with dozens killed annually in poorly ventilated, unstable tunnels where safety standards are often neglected. The authorities have urged artisanal miners to exercise caution when working in abandoned or unsafe mining areas .

Chengxi Gold Mine is located in the mineral-rich Midlands province and is partly owned by Collins Mnangagwa, the son of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who partnered with Chinese investors in the venture. The mine operates one of the largest gold mining operations in the district .

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