CNRG Calls for Urgent Investigation into Rezende Mine Disaster as Death Toll Reportedly Rises to Seven
For Immediate Release: Harare, 24 September 2026
The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) is deeply concerned by reports of a deadly mine collapse at Rezende Mine in Penhalonga, Manicaland, which occurred on Sunday, 20 September 2026.
Initial reports indicated that at least three artisanal miners had died following the collapse, with several others reportedly trapped underground. CNRG has since received unverified reports that the death toll has risen to seven. Of major concern is the failure by the government to urgently verify and publicly confirm the number of people killed, injured or still trapped. This will ensure serious measures are taken to assist those still trapped and the injured, It will also help relatives to step forward and help in identifying loved ones who perished in this mine disaster.
The mine is part of the Redwing mining complex in Penhalonga. Available corporate records identify The King’s Daughter Mining Company (Private) Limited as the owner of Redwing Mine, while Betterbrands Mining Company (Private) Limited has operated at the mine under a tributary arrangement. Betterbrands Investments identifies Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya as its Chairman and Founder.
The incident has raised serious questions about mine safety, regulatory oversight and the protection of artisanal miners operating in Penhalonga.
CNRG has made efforts to contact the Manicaland Provincial Police Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, to obtain official information regarding the incident and the rescue operation. At the time of issuing this statement, we have not received a response. The absence of timely official information is deeply concerning, particularly in an incident involving multiple fatalities and potentially trapped miners.
The lack of a clear and authoritative public account risks fueling allegations that the disaster is being swept under the carpet, rather than receiving the transparent investigation and public attention that a tragedy on this scale demands.
These allegations must not be allowed to substitute for facts. The authorities have a responsibility to establish and communicate the truth: how many people were underground, how many have died, how many remain trapped or injured, who was responsible for the operation, what safety measures were in place, and whether the mine was operating in compliance with Zimbabwean mining and occupational safety requirements.
CNRG is particularly concerned because Penhalonga has experienced persistent environmental and mining-related challenges. Hundreds of Better Brands workers have died in Penhalonga ever since the company started its operations in 2020. Most of the deaths go unreported. Previous community engagements and monitoring by CNRG have documented concerns around safety, including environmental hazards and water pollution associated with Better brands’ operations at the Redwing mine.
We call onBetterBrannds and the regulatory authorities responsible to ensure that those operations meet Zimbabwe’s mining and occupational safety requirements.
The latest disaster therefore cannot be treated simply as an isolated accident. It must trigger a comprehensive examination of mining activities across Penhalonga.
CNRG calls for:
- An immediate and independent investigation into the Rezende Mine collapse, including the circumstances leading to the collapse and the adequacy of safety measures at the operation.
- Official confirmation of the death toll, identities of the deceased where families have been notified, the number of injured miners and whether any miners remain trapped underground.
- A comprehensive audit of mining activities in Penhalonga, covering registered and informal operations, mine plans, shaft stability, ground conditions, occupational safety standards, licensing and compliance with environmental requirements. This should also include an immediate inspection of high-risk mining sites and shafts in Penhalonga, with dangerous operations suspended where there is credible evidence of an imminent threat to human life.
- Full disclosure of relevant mining safety and inspection records, including previous inspection reports, risk assessments, notices issued to operators and any outstanding corrective measures relating to the affected mine.
- An investigation into the circumstances under which artisanal miners were operating at the site, including whether appropriate safety systems, supervision, protective equipment and emergency response arrangements were in place.
- A transparent rescue and recovery operation for anyone who may still be trapped underground, with families and the affected community kept informed throughout the process.
- Protection and support for victims and their families, including appropriate compensation and psychosocial and legal assistance.
People must come before profit.
Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG)
Email: info@cnrgzim.org
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