MARTIN MAWAYA
MBERENGWA-Two Mberengwa miners who were trapped in an underground shaft have failed to make it and efforts are underway to retrieve their bodies.

The story of the mine disaster first appeared in The Midweek Watch while the miners were still alive, unfortunately there was no help rendered in time to rescue them.
The two are suspected to have died after a 22-meter-deep mine shaft collapsed while they were illegally mining, according to a statement from Midlands Province police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko.
The incident occurred on January 9, 2025 at around 12 pm at the Knot Brothers Farm in Mberengwa.
Insp Mahoko said the victims, Farai Machenjedze (23) from Mamhute Village under Chief Makonese and Desire Mareva (27) of Taruvinga Village under Chief Madamombe in Chivi, were working underground, while three other miners were on the surface.

“The mine shaft suddenly collapsed, and the victims were covered by falling shaft debris,” Insp Mahoko said.
“One of them could be heard crying out for help, but their colleagues who were working on the surface tried to rescue them without success as the shaft continued to collapse.”
Machenjedze was later found half-covered with shaft debris and still crying for help.
The police said when the authorities were notified, it was discovered that the soil was loose and wet due to incessant rains that are pounding the whole country, making the rescue efforts difficult.
“Rescue efforts are still in progress, we urge miners to observe all safety guidelines in line with the Mines and Minerals Act to avoid such accidents,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sources on the ground told this publication that the owner of the farm donated 200 liters of diesel for the excavator that is being involved in the rescue efforts.
The first excavator on Friday developed a mechanical fault during the rescue operation and the one that is currently being used was donated by Chinese who are mining chrome at Neta along Masvingo Bulawayo Road.
STC Chemicals chipped in with 200litres of diesel as well and Knot brothers provided food, fuel and another excavator.
Chivi North legislator, Godfrey Mukungunugwa Huruva and his Mberengwa counterpart Tinashe Goga Shumba together with District Development Coordinator, Vafios Hlavati also donated 200 liters of diesel, equipment and food stuffs for the people on the ground.
“We teamed up with the community to assist in retrieving the bodies of the two miners whose bodies are trapped underground. We commiserate with the families who lost their loved ones during this difficult time.
“We also approached the Chinese who are mining in the area and they chipped in with an excavator, we hope the bodies will be retrieved soon, but I understand the rains are making the process very difficult as shaft debris keep on falling,” said MP Mukungunugwa.