adminA 13-year-old Grade Seven pupil at Malisa Primary School in Silobela last week drowned in a disused mine pit that was not reclaimed for the past six months.
The boy’s death brings to three the number of children who have drowned in such pits in the past six months.
Silobela legislator Cde Mthokozisi Manoki Mpofu (zanu-pf) confirmed the incident, which he said had plunged the area into mourning.
He said the latest incident occurred last Thursday when Yakani Sibanda drowned after falling into the disused mine pit.
“We are saddened by the death of our people in these pits, which were left uncovered by mostly gold panners and to a lesser extent those who dig for gravel,” said Cde Mpofu.
“Yakani Sibanda, a Grade Seven pupil who had a bright future ahead of him, drowned in one of the pits on Thursday last week and we buried him on Friday. He becomes the third child to drown in these pits in the past six months following the drowning of two other children in similar circumstances.” Cde Mpofu said gold miners and brick moulders were leaving pits uncovered. —Midlands Bureau.
Online Reporter