Brick moulder buried alive

Lovemore Kadzura Rusape Correspondent
AN illegal farm brick moulder was last week “buried alive” in Rusape when the anthill he was extracting soil from collapsed and trapped him near Rusape Dam.

Tafadzwa Nedziwe (30), who was digging the anthill together with his colleague, Kelvin Cheneka, allegedly failed to vacate the area when danger was imminent.

Police confirmed the incident.

They said prior to the incident Cheneka had warned Nedziwe to stop the digging as the anthill was about to collapse.

He refused.

Rusape District police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Muzondiwa Clean, said efforts to assist Nedziwe by fellow brick moulders were fruitless.

“On July 26, between 8.30am and 9.30am near Rusape Dam, Tafadzwa Nedziwe was digging an anthill to prepare soil for brick moulding. He was digging from the bottom and creating an overhanging tunnel at the top.

“His friend, Kelvin Cheneka warned him to move out of the tunnel as the anthill was about to collapse. Cheneka left to look for another anthill to dig, leaving Nedziwe working alone. After sometime, Cheneka heard a loud crashing noise from the area he had left Nedziwe.

“He went to investigate and discovered that the anthill had collapsed, trapping his friend inside. He called Nedziwe, but there was no response. Cheneka and other brick moulders joined in digging the anthill, searching for Nedziwe. They found him already dead. A police report was made. Police attended the scene and no foul play is suspected.

“We urge people to be cautious when they carry out their various activities. People must be cautious all the time and take necessary precautions,” said Asst Insp Clean.