adminPaul Pindani in Chinhoyi
POLICE said three people died in different mine shafts within a week in Mashonaland West.
Provincial police acting spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Ian Kohwera, told H-Metro that the first incident happened on January 17 when Persuade Chambara (38) died after a shaft collapsed at Victory Mine in Banket.
“Her husband, Tamo Hove (42) and other mine workers made efforts to retrieve her body without success. The matter was reported at Banket police.”
Asst Insp Kohwera said the woman was retrieved from the mine on January 22. The second incident occurred on January 23 at Elvington Mine when a gold panner, Gift Takura (27) was prospecting for gold in one of the pits.
“During the process, the pit collapsed and trapped him inside. His body was retrieved the same day by other panners,” said Asst Insp Kohwera.
He said on January 24, illegal miners were using plastic containers to lower and pull up people in and out of the Golden Kopje Mine shaft in Chinhoyi.
“One of the ropes broke and Obert Mapangisi (23) fell headlong and died on the spot, while Abraham Zhuka (22) sustained a fractured right arm and head injuries,” said Asst Insp Kohwera.
He urged miners to prioritise safety in all their operations, saying chances of shafts collapsing were high due to the heavy rains pounding the country.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter