Patrick Chitumba [email protected]
THREE suspected artisanal miners died after allegedly inhaling poisonous fumes from mining explosives while working underground at a disused mine shaft at Coconut, Wanderer Mine in Shurugwi.
The incident occurred on 5 November at around 9am while the men were reportedly mining gold ore in a tunnel extending about three kilometres underground.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the deaths, identifying the deceased as Francis Manokwe (36), Lloyd Muza (33) and Ishmael Msipa (37).
“The artisanal miners were working underground when they were allegedly exposed to the poisonous gas,” he said.
Insp Mahoko said the three were in the company of Gaynor Munyuki (18), who allegedly left them inside the tunnel to buy food.
“At one point, Gaynor Munyuki is alleged to have left the three inside the tunnel while going to buy food. In the process, it is believed they inhaled carbon monoxide gases from mining explosives they were using and died instantly,” he said.
Munyuki reportedly returned to find the three men dead inside the tunnel.
“Police attended the scene and, with the assistance of other artisanal miners, retrieved the bodies from the shaft before taking them to Shurugwi District Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examinations,” said Insp Mahoko.
He said investigations were underway in terms of the Coroner’s Office Act, Chapter 7:21 (Act 12 of 2019), to establish the full circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Insp Mahoko urged people involved in mining activities to prioritise safety and adhere to established procedures.
“We reiterate our calls for members of the public, when venturing into mining, to always follow safety procedures as enunciated by the Mines and Minerals Act,” he said.
