Malawian, Zambian Die in Vubwi Gold Mining…

A Malawian national and a Zambian have died after the earth collapsed on them while conducting illegal gold mining at Chithumba Mining Area in Vubwi District. The two, identified as 29-year-old Sapilo Lafele, a Malawian national from Kanjawa Village in Chief Kalolo Namitete, Malawi, and 32-year-old Philimon Tembo of Nthawena Village in Chief Mazimawe, Kasenengwa District, died after being buried underground in a seven-metre-deep pit. Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed the incident to the media, saying police received a report of sudden and unnatural death from Matthews Banda, aged 41, of Zalila Village in Chief Pembamoyo, Vubwi District, at about 04:30 hours today.

Mr Mweemba said the incident occurred yesterday at around 20:00 hours at Chithumba Mining Area. He said preliminary investigations indicate that the two illegal miners entered the seven-metre-deep pit at around 19:30 hours to conduct gold mining activities. “Whilst the duo was still underground, the earth above them collapsed, burying them instantly,” Mr Mweemba said.

He said police officers rushed to the scene after being informed and found other illegal miners attempting to retrieve the trapped miners. Mr Mweemba said the two bodies were eventually retrieved at around 06:30 hours and inspected by police officers. He said Lafele sustained a depressed head injury and cuts on the right leg, while Tembo sustained a bleeding nose and cuts on both legs.

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Mr Mweemba said police have not suspected any foul play and the relatives have since been advised to proceed with burial. Mr Mweemba has since warned people against engaging in illegal mining activities, particularly entering unsafe mine pits, saying such activities pose a serious danger to life.

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