adminWalter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
A MASHAVA man died after he was allegedly trapped in a collapsing disused mine while panning for gold, police have confirmed.
Acting Masvingo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nkululeko Nduna said the incident occurred on Tuesday at around 11.30PM in Mashava.
He said Ezekiel Phiri body was taken to Masvingo General Hospital mortuary for post-mortem.
“I confirm receiving a report of a sudden death of a Mashava man. He died in a disused mine,” said Assistant Inspector Nduna.
On the fateful day, Phiri is alleged to have left for a gold panning expedition, some 10km from his residence, with three other men who were not identified.
According to Phiri’s friend, Jealous Marumo, of Gaths Mine, the gold panner went into a shaft alone and met his fate.
“While in the shaft, Phiri decided to collect soil from a tunnel within the same shaft. The other three remained outside the tunnel and they suddenly heard the tunnel collapsing,” said Marumo.
“The trio managed to pull Phiri out of the soil which was still collapsing but he was unconscious. They rushed him to Gaths Mine Hospital where he was pronounced dead. His body was taken to Masvingo General Mortuary for post-mortem.”
Online Reporter