Rusizi: Two Killed in Gold Mine Collapse

RUSIZI - Two miners died on November 26, 2025, after being trapped in a collapsed gold mine in Byimana Village, Rwambogo Cell, in the Butare Sector of Rusizi District.

The victims were identified as Tuyishime Wilson, 24, and Habumukiza Alexis, 45, both residents of the sector. The mine was being operated legally under New Kush Rwanda Ltd, which immediately alerted local authorities when the incident occurred.

According to the Executive Secretary of the Butare Sector, Ntibizera Jean Pierre, rescue efforts began as soon as the alarm was raised.

“We instructed the team to extract them as quickly as possible. By 9:00 a.m., they had been pulled out, but unfortunately both were already deceased,” he said.

Initial findings indicate that the collapse was triggered by unstable, rain-soaked soil following several days of heavy rainfall.

Local officials have urged mining operators to strengthen safety precautions, especially during the rainy season.

The bodies of the two men were transferred to Mibilizi Hospital for post-mortem examination before burial.