The government has declared a State of Disaster following a tragic accident at the Bayhorse Mine in Chakari, Chegutu district, which claimed the lives of nine miners and left several others missing. The incident occurred last Friday when a shaft collapsed, trapping a total of 39 miners.
Information Minister, Jenfan Muswere, announced during a post-Cabinet media briefing that the tragedy has been classified as a national emergency. According to Muswere, 13 miners managed to escape, while nine were rescued. Four bodies have been retrieved so far, but six miners remain trapped under a large boulder, and seven are still missing.
In response to the disaster, the government has taken immediate action. A State of Disaster has been declared by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and the District Civil Protection Committee has been activated to coordinate rescue efforts. The committee has engaged neighboring mining companies to assist in the rescue operation and has set up a Command Centre at the mine.
The deceased miners will receive State-assisted funerals, which include burial services, provision of grain, and funds to manage the burials. The mine owner is also providing food for the rescue team and assisting with burial arrangements.
Efforts to retrieve the remaining bodies and locate the missing miners are ongoing. However, Mines Minister Soda Zhemu revealed on Monday that the accident was a result of haphazard extraction methods supervised by unqualified personnel. Zhemu blamed the mine authorities, led by T. Sigauke, for conducting unsustainable mining techniques and disregarding relevant laws.
Zhemu also acknowledged the conflicting figures regarding fatalities, survivors, and missing persons. The Ministry of Mines is awaiting official confirmation of the exact number of deaths, survivors, and missing individuals.
A joint search and rescue operation has successfully brought four bodies to the surface, but further retrieval efforts are being hindered by soft ground and a rock boulder blocking the tunnel leading to the trapped miners. The number of fatalities is expected to rise as the search continues.
As the search and rescue operation continues, a memorial service was held at Chegutu Hospital mortuary for the four miners who have been identified. Only the body of Godfrey Baro (26) was present at the service, as the others had already been laid to rest. The identities of the retrieved deceased miners were confirmed by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
The Bayhorse Mine accident serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by miners and the importance of adhering to safety regulations. The government’s declaration of a State of Disaster demonstrates its commitment to addressing the situation and providing necessary support to the affected families. Efforts will continue to retrieve the remaining bodies and locate the missing miners to bring closure to this devastating incident.
