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She identified the man as Dumisani Phiri of Skuta Village in Insiza District.

“On the fateful day, Phiri and his two colleagues, Alson Sibanda and Ntuthuko Mpofu were sleeping just a few metres away from a mineshaft at Co-Hope Mine in Filabusi. Phiri then rolled and subsequently fell into an eight metre deep pit,” said Sgt Mangena.

She said his colleagues heard him screaming and they woke up and retrieved his body because he was already dead by the time they got into the pit.

A report was made to the police and the body was taken to Filabusi District Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem.

“Phiri had a deep cut in the head and we have since launched investigations so that we establish the exact circumstances surrounding his death,” said the police spokesperson.

Sgt Mangena warned people against engaging in illegal mining activities.

“As police we continue to urge people to desist from illegal mining activities as they risk their lives and prosecution” he said.