A tragic mining accident claimed the life of a 30-year-old man, Confidence Chebani, from Fort Rixon, under Chief Jahani’s jurisdiction in Filabusi, who d!ed after being b_ried alive during an illegal mining operation near Mazari Mine.
The incident occurred around 5 a.m. when the shaft he was working in collapsed, with Chebani’s colleague, Tanatswa, narrowly escaping with his life as he was only partially covered by the fallen soil.
Their cries for help were heard by another worker, Panashe Tahwarira, who was en route to join them and quickly responded to their distress.
Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Loveness Mangena, confirmed the incident, stating that Chebani died before rescue efforts could save him.
Emergency services attended the scene, and Chebani’s remains were transported to Filabusi Hospital, awaiting a post-mortem at United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) in Bulawayo.
Inspector Mangena has condemned the practice of illegal mining, highlighting the inherent dangers it poses, including the absence of safety measures such as pre-mining surveys and protective equipment typically provided by legal mining operations.
She used this opportunity to urge the public to refrain from engaging in such hazardous activities, stressing the importance of following established procedures to ensure personal safety.
SOURCE : NEWSREPORTZIM.COM
