Staff Reporter

Government has intensified efforts to locate three illegal miners trapped in a disused gold mine in the Makaha area of Mudzi District.

 The miners, who have been missing for three days, are believed to have been trapped underground following heavy rains that recently pounded the area.

A high-powered Government delegation, including members from the Civil Protection Unit’s Mashonaland East Provincial office and traditional leaders, visited the site on Tuesday to assess the situation and coordinate rescue operations.

Mashonaland East Province Secretary for Provincial and Devolution Affairs, Tavabarira Kutamahufa, emphasised the Government’s commitment to the rescue mission.

“As Government, we have stepped up efforts to locate the miners in whatever state, and we are calling for assistance to strengthen our resources,” he said.

Traditional leaders expressed deep concern over the incident.

“This is a very unfortunate situation in our area, and we are hopeful that our rescue operations will yield positive results,” said Chief Nehombo.

The mining community has also rallied to assist in the rescue efforts.

Representing local miners, Mudyiwa Mashonganyika stated, “This is a tragic incident, and we are pooling our resources together to help locate the missing miners.”

Family members of the trapped miners have encamped at the scene, clinging to hope for a positive outcome.

One distraught relative of the missing miners said, “My brother and cousins are all trapped underground, and I appeal to well-wishers to assist with resources so we can find them.”

Another family member, who travelled from Gokwe, expressed similar sentiments.

“I am the father of two of the trapped miners, and I am praying they are found alive. I came here to support the rescue mission in any way I can,” he said.

Concerned villagers have been gathering at the site, spending long hours anxiously waiting for updates. Their presence underscores the deep sense of solidarity and hope within the community as the rescue mission continues.

Authorities, traditional leaders, and the community are united in their resolve to bring closure to this harrowing incident.

While the situation remains tense, the collaborative rescue efforts signal determination to find the missing miners and provide answers to their families and the community.