October 06, 2025-Shiwang’andu Police Station recorded a report of Sudden and Unnatural Deaths involving four (4) illegal miners who died after a pit wall collapsed on them at New Scene Gold Mine, Chief Mukwikile, District of Shiwang’andu.
The incident occurred yesterday October 05, 2025 between 16:00 hours and 17:00 hours, and was reported today October 06, 2025 at 09:00 hours by Mr. Richard Simutami, aged 43, of Chimboto Gold Mine, who is also a Security Officer at the said mine.
According to the reporter, the four deceased persons were illegally mining gold manually when the walls of the pit caved in, burying them alive. He narrated that he received the devastating news from individuals who were near the pit and had observed a crack before the collapse.
Upon rushing to the scene, the reporter confirmed that the pit walls had indeed collapsed. Efforts were immediately made to retrieve the bodies, but unfortunately, by the time rescuers reached them, all four had already died. The rescue team worked overnight and managed to recover all the bodies today October 06, 2025 around 05:20 hours.
The deceased have been identified as:
1. M/Cephas Mwansa of Phillip Village, Chief Mukwikile, District Shiwang’andu.
2. M/Duncan Viemba, believed to be from Lusaka.
3. M/Kanene Lisenga of Chingumbe, also believed to be from Lusaka.
4. M/Peter (other names not known), believed to be from Lusaka.
The bodies were taken to Shiwang’andu Police Station where a report of Sudden and Unnatural Death was officially recorded.
Acting on the report, police inspected the bodies and found no physical injuries except for M/Peter, who had blood oozing from the nose.
Three (3) of the bodies were deposited in Mpika Urban Clinic Mortuary, while the body of M/Cephas Mwansa was taken to Matumbo Rural Health Centre Mortuary awaiting burial.
An inquiry file has since been opened to establish the full circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
The Zambia Police Service wishes to urge members of the public to desist from engaging in illegal mining activities, as such practices expose them to grave danger.
Mining should only be conducted within the confines of the law and with proper safety measures in place.
Rae Hamoonga POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER