A 40-year-old woman, Vetilina Chapemba, an artisanal gold miner, has died after a tunnel wall collapsed on her while she was searching for gold at Kang’oma in Lilongwe.
The incident occurred on September 11, 2026, along the Nanjiri River banks, where Chapemba and her colleague had entered a tunnel to search for precious stones.
The tunnel suddenly collapsed, trapping the two and leaving them seriously injured. Kang’oma Police detectives rushed to the scene, rescued them and took them to Kang’oma Health Centre.
However, Chapemba was pronounced dead upon arrival, while her colleague was referred to Kamuzu Central Hospital for further treatment.
Chapemba hailed from Kadakungwa Village under Traditional Authority Mazengera in Lilongwe.
Police have since cautioned people against engaging in unregulated artisanal mining, warning that such activities can result in serious injuries or loss of life.
Sub-Inspector Mabvuto Phiri
P.R.O – Kawale Police Station