Two people have died in Choma District, Southern Province, after a pit they were using for illegal mining collapsed in Zambia.
The deceased have been identified as Jasper Siamuwele, 47, of Chuunga Village in Chief Mweemba’s area, and Arnold Munkombwe, 48, of Nkungwe B Compound in Maamba.
The incident occurred on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at around 16:00 hours in Lubwe Village in Chief Chooma’s area.
Southern Province Police Commanding Officer Moono Namalongo said the two men were among a group of unidentified individuals who were illegally mining aquamarine.
Mr. Namalongo said the wall of the pit collapsed while the miners were inside, trapping Siamuwele and Munkombwe beneath the debris.
He stated that other people later gathered at the scene and managed to retrieve the bodies.
Police have since launched investigations into the incident.
By Julius Sakala
