MARTIN MAWAYA
KWEKWE—Two miners were killed after a section of an underground shaft collapsed at Vigilant Mine in Kwekwe on Tuesday evening, while three of their colleagues escaped unhurt.
Midlands province police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the fatal accident that occurred at around 7pm on July 7.
The deceased were identified as Busani Nyathi and Proud Maphosa.
Mahoko said the five miners were working about 200 metres underground when a block of soil collapsed from the roof of the shaft, trapping Nyathi and Maphosa.
“The other three miners managed to escape safely. Police attended the scene and retrieved the bodies of the deceased,” he said.
Mahoko urged mine operators and miners to comply with safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies.
“We urge all those involved in mining activities to strictly observe the safety guidelines provided under the Mines and Minerals Act [Chapter 21:05],” he said.
