Zvishavane miner killed in mine mishap
A WORKER at a mine in Zvishavane died when his head was blown-off by explosives that he had set for blasting rocks in a mine shaft. The incident occurred at Nipo Syndicate Mine last Friday at about 12 noon.
Police identified the worker as Mr Clemence Tusile (33), of Highlands, Zvishavane. Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Leonard Chabata said Mr Tusile died on the spot.
“On the day in question, at about 12 noon, Mr Tusile went down one of the mine shafts to set some dynamites so as to blast rocks for gold ore. After setting the explosives he tried to get out using a steel ladder but slipped and fell into the same shaft. The dynamite then exploded while he was still in the shaft resulting in his head and right leg being blown off. He died instantly,” he said.
Insp Chabata said the matter was reported to the police who attended the scene. He said the police took Mr Tusile’s body to Zvishavane District Hospital mortuary.
In another incident, police in Shurugwi are investigating a case of sudden death in which a 17-year- old boy died on the spot when the mine he was working in collapsed and trapped him inside. The incident occurred on Sunday at Beacon Mine.
Police said Mr Maxwell Siwela of Number 51 Beacon Cop was panning for gold alone in a shaft that was about two metres deep.
“While he was still in the process of panning, the mine shaft collapsed and trapped him inside. Mr Siwela’s body was discovered by a boy who was passing by the shaft and saw a hand protruding from the shaft. The boy informed another villager who then retrieved the body,” said Insp Chabata.
He said the matter was reported to the police who attended to the scene. The body was taken to Shurugwi District Hospital Mortuary.
“Police are appealing to members of the public to ensure that they adhere to mine safety regulations.
Meanwhile, a 31-year-old man from Chavherengana Village under Headman Nenyanga in Gokwe drowned in Sengwa River after he fell into the water while fishing. Insp Chabata confirmed the incident which occurred on Thursday at about 9am. He identified the man as Mr Job Murinda.
“It is alleged that Mr Murinda was fishing in Sengwa River with his friend, Mr Norman Siakunda. While fishing, Mr Murinda fell into the river and drowned. Mr Siakunda rushed to inform other villagers who assisted in retrieving Mr Murinda’s body. The matter was reported to the police who attended the scene,” he said.
The Midlands police spokesperson appealed to members of the public, especially those who cannot swim, not to play or conduct business near flooded rivers to avoid such incidents.
