Tinotenda Hove- Three suspected artisanal miners have lost their lives after reportedly suffocating from toxic fumes generated by mining explosives at an abandoned mine shaft in Shurugwi.

The tragedy occurred at approximately 9am on November 5 at Coconut Wanderer Mine, where the men were allegedly extracting gold ore from an underground tunnel estimated to be three kilometres long.

The deceased were identified as Francis Manokwe (36), Lloyd Muza (33) and Ishmael Msipa (37), according to Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Midlands provincial spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko.

Police said the three were underground in the company of an 18-year-old miner, Gaynor Munyuki, when the incident happened.

Munyuki had reportedly gone out of the underground workings to purchase food, leaving the three men behind. During his absence, the miners are believed to have been exposed to carbon monoxide released by explosives used in their mining operations.

“It is believed they inhaled carbon monoxide gases from mining explosives they were using and died instantly,” said Insp Mahoko.

Upon returning to the shaft, Munyuki allegedly discovered his three colleagues lifeless inside the tunnel before raising the alarm.

Police officers subsequently visited the mine and, assisted by fellow artisanal miners, retrieved the bodies from underground. The remains were transported to Shurugwi District Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examinations.

Inspector Mahoko said authorities had launched investigations in terms of the Coroner’s Office Act, Chapter 7:21 (Act 12 of 2019), to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

He called on miners to prioritise safety by adhering to established mining procedures and complying with the requirements of the Mines and Minerals Act.

The incident highlights the dangers associated with unsafe underground mining practices, particularly exposure to toxic gases generated during blasting operations.