A devastating landslide at the Homesteak Mine in Kwekwe has claimed the lives of six individuals and left one person injured.
The tragedy occurred on Wednesday afternoon, confirmed by Kwekwe District Development Coordinator Fortune Mupungu. A roll call at the site indicated that seven individuals were present when the landslide struck, and all have now been accounted for.
This fatal incident has cast a spotlight on the recurring safety risks in Zimbabwe’s mining sector, prompting serious concerns about the adequacy of current safety protocols. The loss of life has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised pressing questions about the enforcement of mining safety regulations.
In the wake of the tragedy, the community and stakeholders are calling for more robust regulations to safeguard miners, particularly in smaller, often unregulated operations.
Also read: Lobola Still Required Despite New Marriage Legislation, Says Justice Minister
The mining industry, a key contributor to Zimbabwe’s economy, is known for its hazardous working conditions, and this latest disaster has amplified demands for reform.
Many are urging both local authorities and the government to reassess the safety measures in place to ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again. There are growing calls for the government to impose stricter regulations, conduct more frequent safety inspections, and increase miner training programs to prevent further loss of life.
Authorities have launched investigations into the cause of the landslide, with early reports suggesting that unsafe mining practices may have played a role. It remains unclear whether the mine was compliant with existing safety regulations, but this incident underscores the urgent need for improvements in mine safety enforcement across the country.
Mupungu and other local officials have vowed to work closely with relevant ministries and agencies to ensure that the findings of the investigation are acted upon, and that preventive measures are put in place.
Stakeholders in the mining industry must now take responsibility for ensuring that operations are safe and that miners’ welfare is prioritized.
For comments, Feedback and Opinions do get in touch with our editor on WhatsApp: +44 7949 297606.
