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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Gwanda Correspondent
A MINE worker died when a mine shaft he was working in collapsed in Filabusi.
Matabeleland South provincial acting police spokesperson Sergeant Thandolwenkosi Moyo confirmed the incident which occurred on Tuesday at Noma B Mine at around 9AM.
He said Godfrey Mguni (42) was working in a 10-metre deep shaft while three other workmates were outside when the incident occurred.
“I can confirm that we recorded an incident where a mine worker Godfrey Mguni died while working in a shaft. Mguni was drilling inside a 10-metre deep shaft using a jack hammer while his three work mates were standing outside.
“While he was drilling, the walls of the shaft collapsed and buried Mguni. His workmates tried to save him by digging into the debris using shovels but when they pulled out his body he was already dead,” he said.
Sgt Moyo said the matter was reported to the police who visited the scene and Mguni’s body was taken to Filabusi District Hospital Mortuary.
He urged people to desist from mining in unsecured shafts as that exposes them to danger. He said miners have to ensure that their mines are inspected regularly.
Sgt Moyo urged miners to exercise caution when working in shafts.
He also advised mine workers to ensure that they wear protective clothing such as helmets in order to minimise chances of deaths in case of accidents.
—@DubeMatutu
derick.khumalo