Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutuk, Chronicle Reporter
THREE miners have died in two separate incidents in Matabeleland South Province.
Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Loveness Mangena said the incidents occurred at John A Big Ben Mine in Gwanda and Stambok Mine in Filabusi on Saturday.
In the first incident, Vincent Bhebhe (24) was illegally panning with a counterpart when the shaft collapsed and buried him.
Insp Mangena said in the other incident six miners were working when three got trapped after the shaft collapsed resulting in the death of two.
“I can confirm that we recorded two mine accidents in Matabeleland South Province where three mine workers died,” she said.
“In the first incident two illegal gold panners were working at a disused mine shaft at John A Big Ben Mine. While they were inside the shaft collapsed and trapped Vincent Bhebhe.
“His peer alerted other miners who were close by and they retrieved Bhebhe’s body. He was rushed to Gwanda Provincial Hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.”
On the Insiza incident, Insp Mangena said three out of six miners who were working at Stambok Mine in Insiza went down a 12-metre-deep shaft while the other three remained on surface.
“The shaft collapsed and trapped them. Cleopas Moyo and Judge Moyo died on the spot while Blessing Sibanda sustained injuries,” she said.
Insp Mangena urged citizens to desist from engaging in illegal panning as they were endangering their lives. She also said mine owners had to ensure that their employees were operating with protective clothing.
“Some go ahead to work in disused mines, which would have been deemed unsafe. Mine owners should ensure their workers have necessary protective clothing and equipment when working,” she said. — @DubeMatutu
Online Reporter