By Tinaani Nyabereka
In a tragic incident at Dohwe 118 Gold Mine in Mberengwa, two miners lost their lives while three others sustained injuries following an explosion on June 8, 2024.
James Ndebele (38), of Maglas Township in Zvishavane, and Alfred Hove, 19, from Village Bricks under Chief Bvute in Mberengwa, were fatally struck during the blast.
Midlands Provincial Police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the development.
“I can confirm an incident where a mine reportedly blasted and killed two people. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with mining activities and underscores the importance of adherence to safety guidelines to safeguard the lives and well-being of miners.
“We urge miners to exercise utmost caution and diligence in their work,” Mahoko said.
Circumstances given were that Ndebele and Hove were laboring underground in a mine shaft while their colleagues worked on the surface. The sequence of events leading to the explosion unfolded when Hove requested fire to light his cigarette.
In response, one of the miners on the surface tossed a burning firewood log into the shaft, accidentally igniting a cache of explosives. The explosion however was immediate and catastrophic, claiming the lives of Ndebele and Hove.
The three miners who were outside the shaft at the time of the explosion suffered varying degrees of injuries as debris and shrapnel were hurled through the air by the force of the blast. Quickly, authorities were notified, and investigations into the incident are currently underway.
In another incident, Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed receiving a report of a fire incident that occurred in Mkoba 16 Gweru on June 8, 2024 at around 1500 hours. A house in the area had one of its bedrooms catching fire.
It is alleged that property comprising two beds, a wardrobe, blankets, and various clothes were destroyed. Residents managed to extinguish the fire before it could spread to other rooms.
The matter was reported to the Police, Fire Brigade and Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) who attended the scene.
The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained including the valuation of the destroyed property. Investigations are still in progress.
