Government has confirmed that five bodies have been retrieved from a gold mine in Matobo, Matebeleland South where 18 miners were reportedly trapped last week.

Through the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, government said the deaths followed a gold rush at Nugget Mine in Matebeleland South.

“5 Bodies and a helmet suspected to belong to a 6th individual have been retrieved. Investigations are underway.

“Government consoles with the families of the deceased.”

Nugget Mine is situated on National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority land 35km south of Bulawayo has been at the centre of ownership disputes since 2012.