By Flata Kavinga
The Civil Protection Unit (CPU) Kwekwe District has confirmed the successful completion of rescue operations for seven artisanal miners who were trapped underground following the collapse and flooding of Bharachwathi Mine in Silobela on Thursday this week.
Speaking to The Public Eye, CPU Kwekwe District chairperson and District Development Coordinator Fortune Mpungu said all the bodies were retrieved by 8pm on Thursday after a three-day rescue mission involving multiple stakeholders.
“I can confirm that we had very successful rescue operations yesterday on the 7th of November 2025. The rescue operations started on the 6th of November 2025. We managed to retrieve the bodies around 8pm yesterday. So many people came to assist us as we were doing work,” Mpungu said.
He said the bodies of the deceased were taken to Doves Funeral Services in Kwekwe and government will provide state-assisted funerals for the victims.
“The deceased’s families will be receiving state-assisted funerals. The government, through His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa will avail coffins for the deceased and provide transport to their final resting places. The government will also provide food for the mourners,” Mpungu added.
Mpungu commended the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders who participated in the rescue operations, including Jena Mines, the Member of Parliament for Silobela Constituency Jonah Nyevera, small-scale miners, and members of the Civil Protection Unit.
He said MP Nyevera contributed tents, US$200 to each bereaved family and US$1 000 to the small-scale miners who assisted in the rescue efforts, as well as food for the rescue team.
Other contributors included Bravo Mine, Jena Mines, Thokozani Moyo, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) and Zibagwe Rural District Council Ward 21 Councillor Jason Deetlefs, who also provided assistance during the operations.
Mpungu expressed gratitude to all who supported the CPU during the mission, saying their unity and swift response demonstrated the importance of community collaboration in times of disaster.
The cause of the mine collapse is still under investigation.
