8 illegal miners have died while two survived the mine accident which occurred last night in Chingola District.
Copperbelt Police Commissioner Peacewell Mweemba, said in a statement that the accident occurred at KCM Cop 5 dump site around 22:30 hrs. after the earth collapsed on the said miners, burying them alive.
The incident was reported to Chiwempala police station by Mr. Edward Mulenga aged 35 of Mukuba road in Chiwempala, who has 6 of his nephews among the dead.
Mr. Mweemba, said the other Illegal miners who escaped death attempted to rescue the deceased but unfortunately all the aforesaid miners died by the time they were retrieved.
The mine accident occurred at a time when law enforcement officers were supposed to be on the ground following the government’s directive to halt all manner of illegal mining in the district.
The minister, who was in Chingola District last month to declare an end to recovery operations of the trapped miners at the Senseli mine, gave illegal miners a 14-day ultimatum to vacate the mine premises until the government comes to a conclusion on the safety measures.
The ultimatum which came into effect weeks ago, saw illegal miners still in sight, with mining taking place as usual.
The latest development of the 8 illegal miners who have died with two surviving at KCM cop 5 dumpsite has raised serious questions on the government’s stance on the matter as all the pronouncements and directives have proven to be mere rhetoric.