Blessing Nduku

Two high school boys drowned in a water-filled pit at an abandoned section of Shabani Mine in Zvishavane. The tragic incident occurred when one boy attempted to rescue his friend, who was struggling while swimming at a spot known locally as “Death Race.”

Local residents reported that the area, referred to as Number Two, has abandoned mining infrastructure and excavations accessible to children, despite the dangers of deep water and disused mine workings.

When one of the boys began to struggle, his friend tried to help him but also found himself in difficulty, ultimately leading to both boys drowning. Divers from Aquasafe were called in to assist with the retrieval of their bodies.

The tragedy has left the families of the victims devastated, as they grapple with the sudden loss of their loved ones. An aunt of one of the boys expressed her heartbreak, recalling how her nephew loved playing soccer and had dreams for his future. “All my life, I never thought my child would drown.

He loved playing soccer and had plans for his future. We talked about everything, and now I will never see those plans come true. I am heartbroken,” she said.

The grieving relative urged urgent action to prevent similar incidents, suggesting the pit be either filled in or drained to eliminate the danger. Residents are concerned as children frequently visit the abandoned mining site to swim and play, exposing themselves to potentially fatal hazards.

The area contains buildings that were previously evacuated, and over time, water has accumulated, creating a perilous environment for anyone who enters.

The latest incident has reignited calls for stronger safety measures around abandoned mining sites, especially in communities where children may be tempted to use water-filled excavations for recreation.

In a previous interview, Shabani Mine management stated that trespassing is prohibited in areas under the company’s control. However, the recent drownings have raised questions about whether existing restrictions are enforced effectively and whether there are adequate physical barriers and warning signs in place to keep people away from hazardous areas.

Residents and affected families are now demanding practical interventions to prevent further loss of life, with suggestions including the filling or draining of the pit. The identities and ages of the two victims have not yet been officially confirmed.

The full circumstances surrounding the incident, along with any further safety measures that may be introduced at the site, remain unclear.