Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) has called for an urgent, independent investigation into a mine collapse in Penhalonga, Manicaland, after receiving unverified reports that the death toll has risen to seven.
The collapse occurred on Sunday at Rezende Mine, part of the Redwing mining complex, the organisation said in a statement issued Thursday. Initial reports indicated that at least three artisanal miners had died and that several others might still be trapped underground.
CNRG said the government had not publicly confirmed the number of people killed, injured or trapped. The organisation said it had contacted Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka for information on the incident and rescue efforts but had received no response by the time of publication.
The lack of official information has raised concerns about mine safety, regulatory oversight and the protection of artisanal miners in Penhalonga, CNRG said. It urged authorities to establish how many people were underground, identify the victims and determine whether the operation complied with Zimbabwe’s mining and occupational-safety requirements.
The mine is owned by The King’s Daughter Mining Company (Private) Limited, according to corporate records cited by CNRG. Betterbrands Mining Company (Private) Limited operates at the site under a tributary arrangement. Betterbrands Investments identifies Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya as its chairman and founder.
CNRG also called for a transparent rescue and recovery operation, disclosure of mine-safety and inspection records, and a comprehensive audit of mining activities across Penhalonga, including informal operations.
The organisation said the collapse should not be treated as an isolated accident, citing previous concerns about worker safety, environmental hazards and water pollution in the area. Those claims could not be independently verified from the statement.
