By Tavonga Munyanyi
A 16-year-old boy, Proud Mambudzi, from Furusa Village under Chief Nhema in Shurugwi, is urgently seeking financial assistance to cover medical expenses after being severely injured in a mining shaft collapse at Wanderer Mine in Shurugwi on March 21.
The teenager sustained critical injuries, losing one leg in the accident, while his other leg was amputated at the hospital due to the extent of its damage. He is currently admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Gweru Provincial Hospital and is appealing to well-wishers to help raise US$1,500 for hospital bills and medication.
Speaking to TellZim News, Mambudzi’s mother, Faith Kariwo, said the family is struggling to raise the required funds, as the boy’s condition demands urgent intervention.
“I’m appealing to well-wishers for financial assistance. My son is in critical condition, which requires urgent action, and any amount will make a difference,” she said.
Kariwo added that her son’s condition has left the family in financial distress, with no resources for basic needs like food, as all their money is directed toward medical bills.
“This situation is devastating. I’ve spent everything on Proud’s treatment, and now we don’t even have money for food. I would gratefully accept any help, even non-monetary,” she said.
She also noted that, if Proud recovers, he will need a wheelchair to navigate.
Mine collapses are increasingly common in Zimbabwe. Recently, another shaft collapse in Mashava killed three people injuring six others.