Brighton Chiseva
ZAKA – An informal gold miner, Simon Gwature lost his life after the shaft he was working in gave in and collapsed in the Fuve-Panganai area.
Reports said the victim’s colleague, identified as Emad Jenjerewere, was injured in the accident and was admitted at Musiso Hospital for treatment.
Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Charity Mazula told TellZim News she had not yet received the report by the time of going to print.
However, Zaka Rural District Council Ward 15 councillor, Stephen Harudzibwi said the two were involved in the accident while operating in a deserted shaft.
“They were operating in a derelict shaft and as a result, Gwature lost his life. The incident is sad indeed and we hope the community has learnt the dangers of operating illegally and above all, without safety measures.
“The injured person has since been released from Musiso Hospital and was present at the burial of his deceased colleague on Monday,” Harudzibwi said.
Circumstances leading to the collapse were not immediately available but it is said the shaft was horizontally long but few metres deep.
The panning started a few weeks ago after the precious stone was discovered in Mapurisa village in Chief Nhema, with panners coming from areas like Zvishavane and Mberengwa.
Deputy Minister of Mines Fred Moyo recently called for small scale miners to register and operate legally to reduce risks of fatal accidents.local
