KEY POINTS
- A 17-year-old boy died in a rockfall at Sunace Mine while engaging in illegal gold mining with four peers.
- Efforts to retrieve the bodies have failed due to the hazardous conditions, with a rescue success rate of less than 2%.
- Authorities and mine officials warn against illegal mining, citing severe risks and persistent battles to secure disused mine shafts.
A 17-year-old boy, Luckmore Sibanda, tragically lost his life on Thursday after being crushed by a large rock while engaging in illegal gold mining at Sunace Mine in Umguza District, Matabeleland North.
Sibanda, along with four friends, was digging for gold in a decades-old, disused mine shaft when the fatal incident occurred.
Police confirm teen mining death
According to Pindula, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the incident through the Acting Spokesperson for Bulawayo Province, Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele. She stated:
“Police confirm the sudden death of Luckmore Sibanda, national identity document not held, a male aged 17 years from Lukala Village under Chief Mtshane Khumalo. On the afternoon of 12 December, the deceased’s father was informed that Luckmore was trapped in a mine shaft. Attempts to retrieve his body have so far been unsuccessful.”
Illegal mining claims a young life
Sibanda’s four colleagues, two of whom are also believed to be teenagers, escaped unharmed and reported the incident to the Sunace Mine authorities. Efforts to retrieve his body have been hampered by the precarious conditions in the shaft.
The teenager’s father, Never Sibanda, expressed grief and despair, saying, “Chances of his body being retrieved are very slim. He was crushed by a large rock, which must be moved to retrieve his body, something we believe may not be possible. It hurts to lose our child at such a young age.”
Dangerous conditions and a persistent problem
Muzikababa Makwelo, Sunace Mine’s security supervisor, indicated that the risk of retrieving the body is extremely high, with a success probability of less than 2 percent. He added that rescue efforts could endanger the lives of potential responders.
Makwelo also highlighted the ongoing battle against illegal mining in the area. “We have tried to seal off the entrances to the disused shafts, but the illegal miners always find a way back in. The miners often carry dangerous weapons like machetes and knives, making confrontations with security teams perilous.”
Authorities urge public to avoid illegal mining
Assistant Inspector Msebele urged members of the public to refrain from engaging in illegal mining activities due to the inherent dangers.
“Illegal mining endangers lives, as evidenced by this tragic incident. We encourage the public to prioritize safety and avoid such activities,” she said.
A Family left to mourn
The Sibanda family continues to grapple with the devastating loss. “His peers are still in school, but he chose to join his friends in gold mining,” said his father. “It’s heartbreaking to lose our child under such circumstances.”
Illegal mining remains a persistent challenge in Zimbabwe, with disused mines posing significant safety risks. This incident underscores the urgent need for greater enforcement and community awareness to prevent further tragedies.
