Collen Bawn, Gwanda – A Chinese national has been apprehended in connection with a tragic mining incident at the Long Fortune Mine, which resulted in the deaths of two artisanal miners. The incident, currently under investigation by Matabeleland South police, occurred on April 3, 2026, when explosives were reportedly detonated while the victims were still underground.
Jing Yi Zhang, 50, who resides at the mine, has been arrested on suspicion of triggering the blast. Police spokesperson Inspector Chiratidzo Dube confirmed the ongoing investigation into the deaths of Prosper Nango, 31, of Mpopoma, Bulawayo, and Aleck Hove, 30, of Mbizo 3, Kwekwe.
Authorities stated that Nango and Hove were part of a five-member team working in Shaft Seven, approximately 160 meters below the surface. The group had commenced operations around 2 AM, drilling holes and preparing electrical wiring for the planned detonation. A sixth worker, Tinevimbo Maphosa, 26, remained above ground, managing the hoisting system.
Prior to the explosion, three miners—Emmanuel Nyathi, 27, Nkosiyazi Ncube, 30, and Ishmael Fodi, 28—had exited the shaft, leaving Nango and Hove to finalize connections. Inspector Dube reported that as Ncube and Fodi were disembarking from the bucket at the surface, an explosion occurred within the shaft, prompting them to flee the scene.
Maphosa subsequently informed authorities that Zhang had initiated the blast, leading to the fatal incident. The matter was reported to the police by mine representative Aaron Wilson, 65, which led to a joint investigation by detectives from Gwanda, the Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit, and officers from ZRP Collen Bawn.
Initial findings indicated that unauthorized individuals had entered the shaft before official arrival, where human remains were discovered. Officials from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, including Brian Matewa, 40, attended the site and directed that body recovery operations be conducted on April 4, once hazardous gases had dispersed.
Long Fortune Mine (Private) Limited is owned by Chinese national Dialang Gu and operates under a license issued in November 2025, valid until November 2027. Investigations are continuing, with a particular focus on adherence to safety protocols and mining regulations.
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