By Meditation Mposi
Three artisanal miners died and six others were injured at Bere SP Mining Syndicate, Village 1, Boss Mine, Mashava, Masvingo, after a shaft they were working in collapsed on April 12.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa urged the public to prioritize safety when working.
“I confirm the tragic incident that occurred at Boss Mine in Mashava, where three artisanal miners died on the spot and six were injured after a shaft collapsed. I advise members of the public to prioritize their safety,” Dhewa said.
In early April, a gold discovery at the site attracted local residents and others from surrounding areas. This prompted police to assign security personnel to guard the mine.
On April 12, around 03:00, at Bere Mine Syndicate, a group of artisanal miners confronted the security guard, demanding to pan for gold. The guard drove the group approximately 100 meters south. Upon returning, he discovered nine miners already in the shaft, which had collapsed. He called for help, and six miners were rescued alive, while three others died at the scene.
The deceased were identified as Emmanuel Kanyimo (20) from Diso Compound, Mashava; Washington Munjere of Village 4C, Boss Mine, Mashava; and Takunda Johnisiya (22) of Village 1, Chimugwaku Mushandike Resettlement, Chief Bere. Their bodies were taken to Masvingo Provincial Hospital Mortuary for postmortem. The six injured miners were also taken to the same hospital for treatment.
