MALAWIAN DIES IN VUBWI MINING ACCIDENT
One Malawian national has died, while three others have escaped death, following a tragic mining accident in Vubwi District in Eastern Province.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer, Robertson Mweemba confirmed the incident, identifying the victim as 20-year-old Phempero Fordson of Mchinji District, Kapanga village, in the neighboring Malawi.
“Be informed that Vubwi Police Station received a report of sudden and unnatural death which occurred yesterday, February 3, 2026,” he said.
The incident which occurred at midday, in Chithumba area of Vubwi District was reported to the police by Zalila village headman, Heston Mwale, of Chief Pembamoyo’s area.
Mwale reported that, Fordson, who was up until his a death, a provisionally subject of Zalila village died after a 6-metre pit collapsed on him whilst in the company of three other Malawian nationals who fortunately escaped unscathed.
Brief facts of the matter are that the four male illegal miners: Phempero Fordson, aged 20; Billy Robert, aged 15; and Shadreck Alick, aged 16, went into the pit to mine when the earth started collapsing.
“The three managed to sneak out while the deceased was trapped,” recounted the East Police Chief.
Realising the situation, onlookers tried to save the deceased from being buried alive but all efforts proved futile.
Subsequently, the village headman alerted the Police of the accident who, upon arrival, found the body already retrieved from the pit.
“Upon inspection, the deceased body of Male Pempero Fordson was found with a deep cut on the forehead and depressed back of the head,” Mr Mweemba revealed.
“Since no foul play was observed during the preliminary investigation, police have advised the bereaved family to bury the body in Malawi,” he added.
This, however, is not an isolated incident, as Vubwi District has experienced numerous illegal mining accidents in recent years.
The Chithumba area, in particular, has gained notoriety for widespread illicit mining activities.
The district’s geographic location, straddling the border between Mozambique and Malawi, is a major factor driving cross-border illegal mining, a persistent challenge that continues to worry both authorities and local residents.
