SYDNEY MUBAIWA
ZVISHAVANE- A somber atmosphere has engulfed a gold mine in Mberengwa after an artisanal miner working about 92 metres underground was electrocuted while trying to connect a water pump.
The incident which claimed the life of Washington Makora whose age is yet to be established occurred at Midway Syndicate Mine in Mberengwa district on June 9, 2025 at around 1100hrs.
Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident in a statement.
“We have a case of sudden death of an artisanal miner who died after being electrocuted in a mine shaft,” he said.
According to police details, it is alleged that Makora commenced duty together with four other workmates.
Makora and two others went down into a 92 metre deep shaft while the other two remained outside monitoring electrical switches.
Ngonidzashe Gashura (41) who had gone down together with the now deceased got out of the shaft to fix an electrical problem with their pump. Upon returning, they met with a bout of smoke coming from the shaft. It was discovered that Makora had been electrocuted and died on the spot.
Mahoko said technical jobs such as fixing electrical fittings should always be done by qualified personnel.
