HEAVY rains experienced around the country have escalated risks in the illegal mining taking place across Zimbabwe amid reports that two miners from the Midlands province were buried alive when a shaft they were working in collapsed.
Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident, saying the two died on the spot when the 22-metre deep mine shaft in which they were illegally mining collapsed.
He said the incident occurred last Thursday at Knot Brothers Farm in Mberengwa.
Mahoko said Farai Machenjedze and Desire Mareva, whose particulars were not yet known, were working underground, while three other miners were working outside the shaft.
“The mine shaft suddenly collapsed. The victims were covered by falling shaft debris and one of them could be heard crying out for help,” he said.
“Their colleagues who were working on the surface tried to help, but with no joy as the shaft continued to collapse.”
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Machenjedze was later found half covered with shaft debris.
The matter was reported to the police.
“It was observed that the soil was loose and wet due to rainfall, making it difficult to rescue the victims,” Mahoko said.
“Rescue efforts are still in progress. Police are urging miners to observe all the safety guidelines, in line with the Mines and Minerals Act to avoid such incidents.”