Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
THE man who miraculously survived after being trapped underground for eight days when a mine shaft collapsed, was barred by his family from attending the burial of his colleague, who was killed in the accident.
Pardon Ruvengo, 23, was at his home village in Zaka where his colleague, Innocent Mhere, 21, was laid to rest.
Pardon’s younger brother, Kudakwashe (18), escaped from the collapsed tunnel.
Yesterday, Pardon had to be kept under the guard of family members while his colleague was being laid to rest in their home village.
The two worked at Guernsey Gold Mine in Goromonzi.
They are both from Munorwei Village, under Chief Bota, in Zaka. They were friends and workmates.
Pardon, who survived by drinking his urine, was rescued alive after eight days, while Innocent’s body was also retrieved the same day.
Pardon was discharged from Pacific 24Hr Hospital on Monday, after having been admitted for three days, following his rescue.
He returned to Zaka.
His father, Kudakwashe Ruvengo, said the family agreed that Pardon should not attend Innocent’s burial because he was still recovering from the trauma he suffered.
“He has not yet been recovered and he is still taking medication,” Kudakwashe said. “He spent the day in tears.
“Villagers and church members are visiting our home to see for themselves that he is alive.
“People have been travelling from faraway villages to see him.
“We are now keeping him indoors.”
Kudakwashe said Pardon witnessed Innocent’s final moments while they were trapped under the collapsed tunnel.
He said Pardon had wanted to share his horror experiences with mourners but the family declined to allow him to do so.
Bongani Ndlovu