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Five miners have died following the collapse of the Silgram Copper Mines in Nangoma Constituency, according to area Member of Parliament, Collins Nzovu.
Nzovu said the mine accident happened in Mutebe village of Matala Ward in Nangoma Constituency which was the same area where other three lives were lost last year.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday, Nzovu said the accident occurred at the same location where three lives were lost last year, prompting a government ban on illegal mining activities in the area.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the tragic loss of three lives in a mine accident at Ivungu Copper Mine in Mutebe village, Matala ward, Nangoma Constituency which happened yesterday around 10:00hrs,” he announced.
Nzovu expressed disappointment that unfortunately, some individuals had continued to defy this ban by the government.
He assured that the government was committed to providing support and assistance to those affected by the tragedy.
“So far, three bodies have been retrieved, with the third being recovered this morning at 04:00hrs.
Two people have been retrieved alive, while four individuals are still suspected to be trapped,” Nzovu said.
He assured that rescue operations were ongoing, and appealed for cooperation and support from the government.
Similary, Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga confirmed the death of the five miners, stating that a distress report was recieved on December 9, 2024 at Mumbwa Police Station, at approximately 12:34 hours, concerning a tragic mine accident at Ivungu Copper Mine in Mumbwa District.
“The report was filed by Mr. Clifford Himalwani, aged 49, a resident of Village Mutebe, Chief Shakumbila, and Councilor for Matala Ward in Nangoma Constituency. He reported that a portion of the earth had collapsed on illegal miners at the site, burying several individuals,” Hamoonga said.
He said a combined team of police officers and fire brigade personnel promptly responded to the scene and preliminary investigations revealed that nine individuals had entered the pit at Ivungu Copper Mine at approximately 07:00 hours.
Hamoonga stated that tragically, at about 09:30 hours, the earth gave way, trapping the illegal miners.
“The following five individuals have been retrieved and confirmed deceased namely Evance Banda, aged 30, of Village Mutebe, Chief Shakumbila, sustained facial bruises with blood oozing from both ears, and Getrude Mazila, aged 17, of Village Mutebe, Chief Shakumbila, who sustained a fractured head, left hand, and left leg,” he said.
Hamoonga identified others as Gilbert Mweemba, aged 27, resident of George Compound, Lusaka District, Jonathan Kaumba, aged 35, of Village Mutebe, Chief Shakumbila and Shadreck Chonga, aged 17, of Village Mutebe, Chief Shakumbila.
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He said two individuals escaped unhurt namely Sieza Chuuka, aged 24, of Village Katomaula, Chief Shakumbila and an unknown male adult.
“Two survivors sustained injuries namely Base Chiyabuka, aged 26, of Village Shambana, Chief Shakumbila, sustained a swollen left leg and a male juvenile, aged 16, of Village Kabanse, Chief Shakumbila, sustained minor injuries,” Hamoonga said.
He stated that the injured survivors were rushed to Nangoma Mission Hospital, where they were receiving medical treatment and their condition had been reported as stable.
Hamoonga said the five bodies of the deceased had been deposited at the Mumbwa District Hospital Mortuary pending postmortem examinations.
“The Zambia Police Service strongly urges the residents of Mumbwa District to desist from engaging in illegal mining activities, which pose severe safety risks and often result in such tragedies,” he appealed.
Hamoonga stated that the police and emergency response teams have concluded rescue and recovery efforts at the scene but that investigations to establish facts of the incident were ongoing.
“We remain committed to safeguarding public safety and will continue to enforce measures aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future,” he assured.
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