adminThe police identified the deceased men as Irvine Maponga (20) who died at Tebekwe Mine in Shurugwi on Friday last week, and Edmore Tsanyau (33) who died at Zenda Mine in Nembudziya area, Gokwe North, on Monday.
Acting police spokesperson for Midlands province Assistant Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said in the first incident, it is alleged that on Friday, Maponga of Farm 173, Bikita, was prospecting for gold without a licence at Tebekwe underground mine.
He said Maponga was in the company of three other men from Shurugwi.
“At about 11pm, the four used a rope to get out of the underground mine. Three of the men came out first, leaving Maponga underground. When the three got out and Maponga was still underground, they heard a loud splash of a body or heavy object falling in water. It is suspected that the rope used by the panners to get out of the deep shaft could have broken. They waited for Maponga but he did not come out. They tried to peep into the shaft which was 36 levels deep but failed to locate their colleague,” said Asst Insp Mahoko.
The acting police spokesperson said the three panners reported the matter at Shurugwi Police Station.
He said during a search for Maponga, the police established that the mine was about 36 levels deep.
“Maponga’s body has not been located and investigations are under way. Police are working with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development inspector,” said Asst Insp Mahoko.
In the second incident, police said Edmore Nyatsau (33) was prospecting for gold in the company of his brother, Knowledge Tsanyau.
Asst Insp Mahoko said the two brothers were operating in a shaft that was about nine metres deep at Zenda Mine.
“It was around 5am. While prospecting for gold, the walls collapsed trapping Edmore inside. Knowledge reported the incident to other villagers who assisted in retrieving the body. The matter was reported to the police who attended to the scene. A post-mortem was waived by a Gokwe magistrate,” he said.
Police appealed to members of the public who might have interest in mining to approach the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development so that they can be guided in accordance with the law.
“The law prescribes minimum safety standards that should be put in place at all mining sites. Apart from protecting workers, activities will be properly coordinated and people will realise full benefits for their sweat while the national economy will also benefit from the selling of the mined minerals,” said Asst Insp Mahoko.
Online Reporter