MARTIN MAWAYA
TRIANGLE-The death of a contractor following an accident at Triangle Limited’s sugar refinery has renewed scrutiny of workplace safety standards in Zimbabwe’s industrial sector, where contractors undertake many of the highest risk maintenance and construction activities.
Triangle Limited confirmed on Friday that contractor Jeffry Mushara, who was injured in an accident at its refinery on July 14, died two days later despite receiving emergency treatment and being airlifted to Harare for specialist care.
The company said investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are underway in cooperation with relevant authorities and reaffirmed its commitment to workplace safety.
The fatality comes as Zimbabwe’s mining, manufacturing and agro-processing industries continue investing in plant expansion and rehabilitation projects that rely heavily on contractors for specialised work.
Occupational safety specialists say contractor management remains a critical aspect of industrial risk management because contractors frequently perform hazardous tasks, including equipment maintenance, confined space entry and work at height.
While awareness of occupational health and safety has improved in recent years, workplace accidents continue to occur across industries, prompting employers and regulators to strengthen compliance with safety standards.
Triangle said emergency response procedures were activated immediately after the accident.
Mushara was initially treated at the company’s Colin Saunders Hospital before being transferred to Harare.
“Jeffry was employed by a contracted company and was working at our facility at the time of the incident. We join our contractor partner, colleagues, and the broader community in mourning his passing,” the company said.
Triangle chief executive officer Tendai Masawi said the company’s immediate priority was supporting those affected while cooperating with investigators.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jeffry Mushara. On behalf of all at Triangle Ltd, I extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. This is a tragic incident that has affected all of us. Our focus is on supporting those impacted and cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the safety and wellbeing of every person working at our operations,” added Masawi.
Triangle, one of Zimbabwe’s largest sugar producers, is a major employer in the Lowveld and a key player in the country’s agro-industrial value chain, supplying both domestic and export markets.
Its refinery is central to its operations, making workplace safety and operational continuity critical to the business.
Authorities have not disclosed the cause of the accident, and investigations are continuing.
