By Tavonga Munyanyi
SHURUGWI – Three men believed to be artisanal miners died after a suspected inhalation of
carbon monoxide while working inside a mining tunnel at Coconut, Wanderer Mine in
Shurugwi.
The incident occurred on November 5, 2026, at around 9am.
Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident
and identified the deceased as Francis Manokwe (36), Lloyd Muza (33) and Ishmael Msipa (37).
“I can confirm that we received a report of three men who died while mining in a disused tunnel
at Wanderer Mine. Investigations into the matter are underway in terms of the Coroner’s Office
Act to ascertain the full circumstances,” said Inspector Mahoko.
ZRP Shurugwi received a report that the three men were in the company of a colleague, Gaynor
Munyuki (18), while mining gold ore in a disused mine tunnel about three kilometres from the
surface.
At one point, Munyuki is alleged to have left the three inside the tunnel to go and buy food. It is
believed they inhaled carbon monoxide from the mining explosives they were using and died
instantly.
The informant returned only to discover that the three had died, with their bodies lying inside the
tunnel.
ZRP Shurugwi attended the scene, and the bodies were retrieved from the shaft with the help of
other artisanal miners before being taken to Shurugwi District Hospital mortuary for post-
mortem examination.
Police reiterated calls for members of the public to always follow safety procedures as outlined
in the Mines and Minerals Act when venturing into mining activities
