Gold panner plunges to death

Danisa Masuku

A 25-year-old illegal gold panner died after he slipped and fell headlong into a 20-metre deep mine shaft on Monday.

The incident happened at around 5.40pm at Stancorn Farm in Umzingwane where the now deceased Goodness Sibanda (25) is said to have got into the mine and left his friend outside.

Sibanda’s partner’s name could not be established.

“We gathered that Goodness stepped on a loose boulder resulting in him falling headlong into a 20-metre deep mine shaft,” said an official.

“After hearing loud screams our mine rescue team quickly went underground and found the victim lying in agony on a mound gasping for air.

“ We were told that he was bleeding from the head and was badly injured on his legs,” added the official.

The gold panner was rushed to Umzingwane District Hospital where he died on admission due to excessive bleeding.

Matabeleland South acting police spokesperson Inspector Loveness Mangena confirmed the incident.