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John Murwira Mashonaland West Correspondent
A 17-YEAR-BOY suffocated in a mine shaft in Kadoma which he had entered to change the position of a water pump, bringing into the fore rampant child labour in mines. Mashonaland West police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Ian Kowhera said Trust Bungira (17) of Thor 1538 Gold Mine Patchway was on duty as a miner when the accident occurred.

He said it was suspected that Bungira ran out of breath due to exhaust fumes after being lowered into the 30 metre deep shaft by workmates intending to change position of the water pump. One of his workmates entered into the shaft and managed to retrieve his body. A report was made at Kadoma rural police station and officers attended the scene.

They took Bungira’s body to Kadoma General Hospital for post mortem, while investigations are still in progress. Asst Insp Kowhera urged miners to consider safety first to save lives.