SYDNEY MUBAIWA
KWEKWE- Three artisanal miners lost their lives in a tragic accident at Yellowsnake 37 Mine in Kwekwe on Thursday 13 February after a safety hook fastening the rope to a cage broke, causing it to plummet down the shaft and overturn.
Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident.
He said the victims were in the process of exiting the mine shaft when the fatal mishap occurred.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms a fatal accident at a local mine in Kwekwe. The incident occurred on 13 February at Yellowsnake 37 mine when they were exiting the mine using a cage,” he said.
The collapse of the cage led to a devastating impact, crushing the miners on the spot.
Their bodies were retrieved and taken to Kwekwe General Hospital for post-mortem while investigations are currently underway to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The mining sector has recorded several fatal accidents in recent years, raising concerns about adherence to safety regulations.
This latest tragedy adds to the growing calls for stricter enforcement of occupational safety standards in the country’s mining sector.
