ZIMBABWE – Three illegal gold miners were Sunday trapped in a mine at Kambadown near Shurugwi Town after a tunnel collapsed around 4 AM.

The District Development Coordinator (DDC) Romeo Shangwa confirmed the incident to Masvingo Mirror, saying they are working flat out to retrieve the miners who are suspected to have died. Said Shangwa:

We have worked tirelessly since yesterday but we are losing hope. Three illegal miners are trapped underground in the mine which belongs to Zimasco. The mine had been abandoned following heavy rains

Masvingo Mirror reported a source as saying that seven illegal miners went to an abandoned mine on Sunday. Three of the miners entered the mine at around 7 pm while the rest remained outside.

At around 4 am, those who had remained outside heard a huge sound which was a ground fall. The other four then looked for help.

The names of the trapped miners cannot be released until the next of kin are informed.