Sundaymail Editor
Victor Maphosa
ONE artisanal miner died yesterday when a gold mine shaft he had entered to prospect for gold ore near Mabhanga Business Centre in Makaha, Mudzi district, collapsed, killing him instantly.
It is alleged that the artisanal miner illegally entered the shaft alone while his accomplices waited outside.
The shaft then collapsed, burying him alive.
In a telephone interview, one of the miners, Mudyiwa Mashonganyika, confirmed the incident.
“The accident occurred yesterday around 1pm. The deceased, who is believed to be from Chiredzi, entered the shaft before it collapsed and buried him alive.
“Immediately, efforts to rescue him were instituted, and his body was retrieved,” said Mashonganyika.
This is the second disaster to occur in Makaha this year following another one that occurred on January 3 when three artisanal miners — all from Gokwe — were reportedly buried alive when a mine shaft collapsed due to heavy rains.
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter