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Lawrence Chitumba Mash Central Correspondent
Mashonaland Central Province has recorded an increase in deaths of artisanal miners from suffocation due to the collapse of mineshafts.

Two artisanal miners died recently in Bindura and Mazowe and their deaths were attributed to lack of proper mining skills.

Mashonaland provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Petros Masikati confirmed the deaths of Mdudusi Sithole of Nkayi in Matabeleland North, who died at Storage Mine on June 13 and Aleck Muchemwa, who died at Garati Gold Claim on June 16.

“I can confirm the death of Mdudusi Sithole of Nkayi, who died at Storage Mine in Mazowe after a 35-metre deep mineshaft they were mining gold in collapsed, trapping him inside.

“Sithole’s colleague, Mandla Sibanda escaped and informed other panners who tried to rescue him, but failed.

“In another incident that happened on June 16 in Bindura at Garati Gold Claim, Aleck Muchemwa (37) died when a six-metre mineshaft he was mining in collapsed and trapped him inside,” he said.

Asst Insp Masikati said personnel from Mazowe Gold Mine and Ministry of Mines and Mining Development tried to rescue Sithole, but also failed.

The body was yet to be retrieved at the time of going to Press.

Asst Insp Masikati said Edmore Muchemwa was mining gold together with his brother, when he was trapped inside the mineshaft.

“When Aleck was trapped inside, Edmore, who was outside, informed other artisanal miners who retrieved the body, which was taken to Bindura Hospital Mortuary for post-mortem,” he said.

Asst Insp Masikati said they were holding awareness campaigns in most of the areas where gold was mined.

“Most of the artisanal miners are violent and we are carrying out awareness campaigns to ensure that they (miners) operate within the confines of the law.

“They should also formalise their operations so that they get the necessary training and support from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development.

“Artisanal miners are also contributing to the national fiscus, so they must be professional in their conduct.

“Assault and attempted murder cases are also on the increase. We will not hesitate to descend on all those who are found on the wrong side of the law,” he said.

Asst Insp Masikati also expressed concern on the increase in rape cases in areas in around gold mines.