MILLICENT HUNGWE
MASHAVA – A 25-year-old mine worker from Rusape died in an accident at Cambrine Mine 21 in Mashava on Saturday morning after a heap of slime collapsed and buried him alive.
ZRP Masvingo Province Spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa, confirmed the incident to The Midweek Watch, identifying the deceased as Talent Zamuchiya of Chiteka Village under Chief Makoni in Rusape.
According to Dhewa, the accident occurred on October 5 at around 10AM when Zamuchiya, who was employed as a slime lasher, reported for duty at the mine.
Upon arrival, his workmates had already completed their shift and left.
Zamuchiya started loading slime using a wheelbarrow in the slime dams when the heap of slime, locally known as motoro, suddenly gave way and fell on him, completely covering his body.
At around 12PM, another worker who had arrived for duty noticed a human hand protruding from the slime and immediately raised alarm.
Fellow workers rushed to the scene and managed to retrieve the body, but unfortunately, Zamuchiya had already died.
The Mine Manager, Director, and police officers attended the scene before the body was taken to Masvingo General Hospital Mortuary for post-mortem.
Inspector Dhewa urged mining companies to prioritize safety and ensure that precautionary measures are not only emphasized in policy but practiced daily to protect lives and property.
“Safety must not just be a slogan but a culture that is consistently practiced to prevent such avoidable tragedies,” he said.
Police investigations into the incident are still in progress.
