Gold panner killed

Herald Reporter
A 29-year-old gold panner died in Mberengwa after he was trapped in a tunnel when a shaft collapsed while he was mining underground, police have confirmed.Midlands police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident which occurred on Saturday at around 10pm at Mzezewa Mine in Mberengwa when Abel Sibanda was trapped underground for 45 minutes after the mine collapsed.

“I can confirm that a 29-year-old male adult of Tsikira Village under Chief Chizungu in Mberengwa died after he was trapped in a mine shaft on August 17 at around 10pm at Mzezewa Mine in Mberengwa,” he said.

Insp Mahoko said on the day, the now deceased Sibanda was mining gold ore at Mzezewa Mine in the company of four other mine workers when the mine suddenly collapsed and trapped him underground.

“Four other workers escaped. However, Sibanda was unlucky and was trapped underground.
“He screamed for help from his fellow workers.

“He was rescued after 45 minutes and rushed to Mberengwa District Hospital,” he said.
Insp Mahoko said Sibanda died on his way to the hospital.