By Rahim Abdul
Two people have died while two others have been injured after a mining pit collapsed on them during illegal precious stone extraction in Salima District.
The deceased have been identified as Sitaiford Sailota, 26, and Limbikani Sailota, 20, who were relatives.
The incident occurred on October 28, 2026, at Lipimbi River in Bezai Village, under Traditional Authority(T/A) Khombedza.
Salima Police spokesperson Rabecca Ndiwate confirmed the incident, saying the four men were using water to soften the soil while digging for precious stones when the ground collapsed on them.
Ndiwate said the method weakened the ground, making it unstable and causing the excavation site to cave in.
The four men were rescued and rushed to hospital, where Sitaiford and Limbikani were pronounced dead upon arrival.
The other two miners, identified as Benison Crispin, 21, and Aubrey Malizani, 25, sustained injuries.
Police have since urged people to avoid dangerous mining practices that can result in injuries or loss of life.
