By A Correspondent

The government has announced a state-assisted funeral for the six artisanal miners who tragically died in a mine dump landslide in Kwekwe on Thursday afternoon. A funeral parade took place on Sunday to honor the victims, who were identified as Simon Chauke, Offias Ncube, Edward Phiri, Gasiyani Banda, Marshall Mpofu, and Ephraim Ncube.

Relatives of the deceased expressed their gratitude for the government’s support during this difficult time. “We are very grateful to our government for coming to our rescue. It was a tough call as the accident just happened when we never expected,” one family member stated.

Another relative shared the profound impact of the loss: “He was the breadwinner in the family. The loss is just too much to bear. However, I want to thank the government for coming to our rescue. I don’t know what we could have done without this help.”

In light of the tragedy, the government is urging miners to prioritize safety, especially in disused mines. Mr. Charlton Murove, acting director of the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, commended the Central Protection Unit for their quick response, which saved one life and ensured all bodies were recovered promptly. He emphasized, “I just want to urge our artisanal miners to always consider their safety first before embarking on mining activities.”

The ongoing safety issues in mining communities remain a pressing concern, as the country continues to mourn the loss of lives, particularly among artisanal miners. The government is now calling on law enforcement agencies to enhance monitoring of mining operations to prevent future tragedies.