Mine collapse kills two illegal gold panners Inspector Loveness Mangena

Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Chronicle Reporter
TWO illegal gold panners died after a mine shaft they were working in collapsed in Collen Bawn.

Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Loveness Mangena confirmed the incident which occurred on Saturday at around 1AM. She said Isaac Nkomo (30) and Michael Moyo (35) both from Nkayi were working in Penstone North Mine in Collen Bawn when the shaft collapsed.

“I can confirm that we recorded a mine accident which occurred in Penstone North Mine in Collen Bawn where two illegal gold panners died after a shaft they were working in collapsed.

Isaac Nkomo and Michael Moyo were illegally panning for gold at a disused mine with their two counterparts,” she said.

“Nkomo and Moyo went down the mine to dig for gold while their two counterparts remained outside awaiting their turn to go down as they were alternating in pairs. While they were inside the shaft collapsed and buried Nkomo and Moyo inside.”

She said their counterparts rushed to a nearby mine where they asked for assistance.

Insp Mangena said the miners retrieved Nkomo and Moyo’s bodies. She said the matter was reported to the police who attended the scene and the bodies were ferried to Gwanda Provincial Hospital Mortuary.

She urged members of the public to desist from engaging in illegal mining activities as they were putting their lives at risk. Matabeleland South Province continues to record fatal mine accidents with most involving illegal mining activities.

“As a province we continue to record a number of fatal mine accidents.

We appeal to members of the public to desist from engaging in illegal mining activities. If people wish to engage in mining activities, they must approach relevant authorities and be allocated mining space.

In most of these illegal mining activities people go to disused mines which are a threat to human life,” she said.

Insp Mangena also urged mine owners to ensure that their workers have necessary protective clothing. — @DubeMatutu

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