MILLICENT HUNGWE
Masvingo – A mine accident that occurred at Constance 48 Gold Mine on November 26, killed two people.
The mine, located in Mushandike under Chief Charumbira, is owned by Karikoga Mujera (50) of Chamamhure B.
According to ZRP Masvingo Province Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa, the incident happened around 9AM when four employees, Dzingai Chivheya (33) of Mafuzha, Chief Zimuto; Innocent Gwandira (52) from the same area; Presulino Nyoni of Nganunu, Zvishavane; and Brighton Jaravaza (22) of Kumuzondo under Chief Serima in Gutu were working on a 15-metre-deep gold shaft.
Chivheya entered the shaft first and soon called for help, complaining that he was being affected by toxic gases.
Nyoni quickly followed him down the shaft with the intention of tying Chivheya to a rope so he could be pulled out.
However, Nyoni also began shouting that he could no longer see.
Gwandira and others outside the shaft managed to pull the rope, only to retrieve Chivheya’s lifeless body.
Nyoni had been trapped inside the shaft.
The matter was reported to the police, and the Ministry of Mines was called in to assist with the retrieval operations.
Dhewa advised miners to take all precautionary measures when conducting their operations every time to avoid loss of lives.
This comes a few days after nine artisanal miners died underground in Penhalonga, Mutare after the shaft they were operating from was flooded by water on Monday following a heavy downpour earlier that day.
