KEY POINTS
- A hoist failure caused the death of three miners.
- The safety hook securing the rope broke during ascent.
- Zimbabwe’s mines face ongoing safety concerns and risks.
Authorities have reported that a tragic accident at Yellow Snake 37 Mine in Kwekwe on February 13, 2025, claimed the lives of three miners. The incident occurred when a link holding the rope of a hoist snapped, causing the miners’ cage to plummet down the shaft.
Tragic mining accident claims three lives in Kwekwe
Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the national spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), confirmed the fatal accident. He stated that the victims had entered the mining shaft using a cage, which was attached to a hoist designed to transport workers to and from the surface.
“The cage fell down the shaft when a safety hook holding the rope to it broke as the victims were exiting the shaft,” Nyathi explained. “The victims were then crushed when the cage overturned.”
According to New Zimbabwe, emergency services responded swiftly, but the three miners had already succumbed to their injuries. Their bodies were transported to Kwekwe General Hospital for postmortem examinations.
This tragic accident has once again brought attention to the ongoing safety concerns in Zimbabwe’s mining sector. Over the years, the country has witnessed numerous fatal mining incidents, often attributed to poor safety standards, outdated equipment, and a lack of regulatory enforcement. Miners, especially those working in small-scale and unregulated operations, face significant risks due to unsafe working conditions.
Authorities confirm incident and provide details
The Zimbabwean government has repeatedly pledged to strengthen mining safety regulations, but accidents continue to occur, raising questions about the effectiveness of current policies. Advocacy groups and industry experts have urged authorities to implement stricter safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
As investigations into the Yellow Snake 37 Mine accident continue, families of the deceased mourn their loss, while the mining community remains on edge, hoping for urgent reforms to improve workplace safety.
