Chantelle Bongubukhosi Ncube
Mazowe, Zimbabwe – September 2024 – In a chilling development, the Mashonaland Central Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have launched an extensive investigation following the discovery of human remains at Elvingz Mine, situated on Makalanga Farm in Mazowe.
The remains, believed to be of seven individuals, were unearthed during routine operations by a mine excavator, sparking shock and concern in the community.
The harrowing find includes bones, torn clothing, and plastic bags, with the remains buried approximately 30 meters deep.
According to authorities, the discovery also revealed ten pairs of trousers with bones still intact inside them, suggesting that the bodies may have been disposed of together and left undisturbed for an extended period. Due to the advanced state of decomposition, many of the bones have lost their original shape, complicating the process of identification.
Sergeant Major Samuel Chikasha, the provincial police spokesperson, confirmed that the remains were found amid debris atop a mountain where open-cast mining operations are being conducted. The difficult terrain and remote location have posed challenges for the investigation, yet authorities are determined to uncover the circumstances surrounding the deaths. A forensic team from the CID in Bindura is currently involved in assessing the remains to determine the number of victims, time of death, and the probable cause.
The remains have since been transferred to Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare for further forensic analysis. Experts will attempt to identify the victims and provide answers to the bereaved families, while police are encouraging any individuals with missing family members to come forward for possible DNA testing.
Mazowe, an area with a rich history of gold mining, has been the site of various tragedies over the years, particularly involving illegal mining activities.
According to a report by the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA), illegal mining operations have surged in Zimbabwe over the past decade due to rising unemployment and economic instability. In 2020 alone, it was estimated that over 500 people lost their lives due to mining accidents, illegal mining conflicts, or criminal activities related to the mining industry. These numbers paint a grim picture of the risks faced by those involved in Zimbabwe’s unregulated mining sector.
Mining in the Mazowe region has also attracted a mixture of both legal and illegal mining ventures, often leading to violent clashes. Incidents of missing persons have become an unfortunate reality in these high-stakes environments, with criminal elements sometimes exploiting the isolated nature of mining areas.
Impact on Local Communities
This discovery has reignited fears of human trafficking, ritual killings, and illegal mining-related violence concerns, that have long plagued Zimbabwe’s mining communities.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has previously raised alarms regarding forced labor and trafficking within the artisanal mining sector in Zimbabwe, where vulnerable individuals are sometimes coerced into dangerous and illicit activities.
Many locals fear that the remains could belong to victims of such violence, further fueling tensions in the community. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a resident of Mazowe expressed her dismay:
“We’ve been hearing about people going missing around the mine for years. Now that they’ve found bodies, we fear there could be more people buried in these remote areas.”
Broader Implications for the Mining Industry
The discovery also sheds light on the broader issue of unregulated mining in Zimbabwe. According to a 2023 report by Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ), corruption and poor regulation within the mining industry have contributed to dangerous working conditions, violence, and deaths in mining communities. The report indicated that artisanal miners often work under unsafe conditions, without adequate protection or legal safeguards, which has led to an increase in accidents and criminal activity in mining towns across the country.
Given the long-standing issues in the mining sector, stakeholders are calling for tighter regulations and increased oversight to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) has urged the government to take swift action in enforcing safety standards and to conduct thorough investigations into illegal mining activities, particularly in areas like Mazowe, where such discoveries are becoming more frequent.
As the investigation progresses, forensic experts are working tirelessly to provide answers to the families of the victims. Authorities have urged the public to cooperate with the investigation and report any suspicious activity or information that may assist in identifying the deceased. The police have vowed to leave no stone unturned in uncovering the truth behind this disturbing find.
For now, the people of Mazowe remain on edge, as this discovery has raised numerous questions about the safety of their community and the possible involvement of criminal elements in the local mining sector. The forensic examination results will hopefully provide clarity, offering the first step toward justice for the deceased and their families.
The discovery of human remains at Elvingz Mine in Mazowe is a tragic reminder of the many lives lost in Zimbabwe’s mining communities, often under violent and mysterious circumstances. As forensic experts work to uncover the identities of the victims and piece together the events leading to their deaths, the community and the nation await justice and answers.
This case highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations and protections in the mining industry to prevent future loss of life. The voices of Zimbabwe’s mining communities must be heard, and their safety prioritized, as the country continues to grapple with the complex issues surrounding its lucrative but often dangerous mining sector.
Zim GBC News©2024