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Panner dies in disused mine accident

by commuadmin

CommuTalk Reporter

SHURUGWI: As mining accidents continue to spike in the informal mining sector, a 22-year-old panner recently died after he slipped and fell into a 60-meter disused mine.

Midlands Police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanul Mahoko confirmed the development and said the now deceased fell into a disused mine at Wanderer Mine in Shurugwi while walking from a nearby tuckshop.

“Reported circumstances are that the now deceased Tinashe Mukusha of Hwede Village under Chief Zimuto in Masvingo was walking from Vital Tuckshop when he slipped and fell into a shaft of about 60 meters deep.

“Two mine workers who were in another shaft heard the noise and suspected that neighboring mine was collapsing. They later checked and discovered Mukusha’s body at the bottom of the shaft,” Mahoko said.

“…miners are required to rehabilitate or cover their pits after accomplishing activities, fence off work areas, tunnels and shafts to guard against people and animals from falling in.

“On the other hand, the public should report whenever they discover dangerous shafts to the Ministry of Mines for measures to be put in place. Also, they should desist from entering disused mines as they may be affected by dangerous gases,” advised Mahoko.

Zimbabwe has of late been plagued with mine disasters over the last few months, often resulting in death of scores of miners. Most of the mine accidents have occurred at illegally run disused mines, with a few happening at legally-run small scale mines.

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