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Victor Maphosa-Mashonaland East Bureau
THE search for three artisanal miners trapped in a gold mineshaft at Olympus Mine in Makaha, Mudzi District, enters day 12 today, with search teams leaving no stone unturned.
In an interview, a miner operating nearby Mr Mudyiwa Mashonganyika, said: “Yes, we are still on the site since day one and there is no result as of now.
“However, we have places where we are looking into and intend to pursue; we might get results.
“So far, the search team has reached a certain area where the trio had rested.
“This is the place where they were reportedly keeping their material. But there is no one there.”
The incident occurred behind Mutondo Business Centre when the four miners entered the shaft to prospect for gold ore on January 3, around 10pm. One miner fell ill and decided to climb back up the shaft to rest, unaware that heavy rains were flooding the shaft, leading to its collapse and trapping the others.
Mr Phillemon Taruona, who escaped, shared his experience, saying: “I had complained of side pains and climbed up the shaft to rest.”
However, his brother, cousin and friend are still trapped in the 80-metre deep shaft. The trapped miners are: Earnmore Mahachi, Clever Taruona and Daniel Musasu.
Efforts to rescue the trapped miners are ongoing, with the community remaining hopeful.
Relatives of the trapped miners have arrived at the site to assist in the search for their loved ones.
The community expresses optimism about a breakthrough as search efforts continue.
Online Reporter