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Police have reported that the nine male individuals buried along with a tipper truck when the Chongwe gravel mine collapsed on Sunday have been found dead.
Police Public Relations Officer, Rae Hamoonga, stated that the mine was operating without proper authorisation.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday, Hamoonga explained that the exhumation process began on the day of the accident, with eight bodies recovered and the ninth body recovered the following day.
Read More: Over 9 feared dead in Chongwe gravel mine collapse
“The deceased individuals have been identified as John Sakala from Ng’ombe Compound, Daliso Phiri, aged 30, from Mwashinango Village, Watson Basikolo from Lubansa Village, and Evans Emuwa from Chichili Village,” Hamoonga said.
He added that the other victims included Mathews Mumba from Lubansa Village, Rogers (other names unknown) from an unidentified village, Nsama (other names unknown) from Lubansa Village, as well as Yoram Moto and Mike Ngoma from Mwashinango Village.
“All the victims are estimated to be between 20 and 30 years of age, although their precise ages have not yet been confirmed,” he mentioned.
Due to capacity limitations, two of the bodies were placed in the Chongwe District Hospital Mortuary, while the remaining seven were transferred to the UTH Mortuary.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims during this difficult time,” Hamoonga added.
He mentioned that a comprehensive report, including further details of all the victims, would be submitted once interviews with the relatives were conducted.
“The Zambia Police Service urges all citizens to avoid engaging in illegal mining activities, which pose significant risks to life and safety,” he advised.
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