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Heather Charema in CHEGUTU
Two artisanal miners were trapped to death in a mineshaft that collapsed at Elvington Gold Mine in Chegutu.

The mine was closed in 2003 after a collapse, but Government is in the process of reviving it.

Moreblessing Mudzingwa (34) and Zhuwawu Chiundisa (40) had reportedly entered the mine illegally and got trapped in the shaft and suffocated.

Mashonaland West provincial police spokesperson Inspector Clemence Mabweazara confirmed the incident.

“The deceased illegally entered into Elvington Gold Mine on Saturday at around 11pm and the mine collapsed whilst they were in the tunnel. When the mine collapsed, boulders crushed on them and they started shouting,” he said.

“The guards who were on duty heard their screams and called for help. They managed to retrieve the two dead bodies today in the morning and reported the case to police. The bodies were taken to Chegutu General ospital.”

“I encourage all artisanal miners to formalise their operations and get registered so that they receive knowledge on mining. They need to acquire the mining rules and safety precautions, this will protect them from facing these disasters,” he said.

Chegutu District Medical Officer Dr Tonderai Nhende said the cause of death was suffocation and a head injury.

“We received two dead bodies from the mine disaster and they are in the mortuary at Chegutu General Hospital. We did not get the circumstances surrounding the matter but we managed to do a post-mortem on the bodies,” he said.

“Of the two bodies one had a head injury and the other one suffocated to death after being trapped in the mine.”