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Blessings Chidakwa in Kadoma
First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa has touched the hearts of many, leaving a lasting impression in the disaster-struck Battlefields community in Mhondoro-Ngezi which she visited last Thursday.
The First Lady visited the disaster site where she consoled bereaved families and donated an assortment of food hampers after 24 miners died in flooded shafts at Silverwood and Cricket No. 3 mines on February 15.
The shafts at the interlinked mines were flooded after torrential rains hit the area on the fateful night.
Eight other miners were rescued after spending four days in neck-deep water after the floods.
In an interview, Mr Joseph Zvitiki, whose son Cosmick has not been accounted for at Cricket No. 3 Mine in the past fortnight, said he felt humbled and comforted by the First Lady’s visit.
“It is during these difficult moments in life where love is much felt and appreciated. We are much blessed as a nation to have such a First Lady.
“Apart from the groceries she gave us, her presence left me much comforted and hopeful that my son’s remains would be retrieved,” he said.
Mr Zvitiki, however, expressed hope that the de-watering process would lead to the recovery of the trapped bodies at Cricket Mine.
There are four artisanal miners feared to be trapped at the mine.
Mhondoro-Ngezi Rural District vice chairperson and Ward 15 Councillor Cde Bartson Mukanyange said although his area carried the burden of the tragedy Amai Mnangagwa left the community comforted.
“It is actually a sad incident for us in the community, mostly the bereaved families, and those with bodies yet to be retrieved. I trust and hope that bodies would be retrieved so that the victims’ relatives and friends would positively identify them.
“However, the presence of the First Lady rejuvenated our hopes that the remaining four bodies at Cricket No. 3 Mine would sooner rather than later be retrieved,” he said.
The First Lady also called for thorough inspection of mining areas to preserve the lives of mine workers while urging Government to enforce stiff laws and penalties on miners who continue operations when they have been advised to stop for safety reasons.
Online Reporter