Minerworkers fall into a 50m shaft
Two Mangwe mineworkers have died after falling into a 50m shaft.
Vongai Mbara
Cleopas Moyo (28) and Prosper Ncube (27) were reportedly descending into the shaft when a hoist they were using developed a fault and crashed down the shaft.
Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson Inspector Loveness Mangena confirmed the incident which she said occurred at Thuthukani Mine in Mpoengs on October 22 around 10 am.
“I can confirm that we recorded a fatal mine accident at Thuthukani Mine in Mpoengs area where two mineworkers died. The two descended into a 50-metre-deep shaft using a hoist.
“Along the way, the hoist developed a mechanical fault and made a free fall and crashed down the mine taking the two mine workers down with it. They sustained head injuries and bruises as a result of the accident and they died on the spot,” she said.
Insp Mangena said other mine workers who were at the scene retrieved the bodies of their workmates from the shaft. She said the matter was reported to the police who attended the scene and the bodies were ferried to United Bulawayo Hospitals. Investigations are still underway.
Insp Mangena called on mine operators to ensure that the work environment is safe for their employees.
“We continue to record fatal accidents in mining areas as a result of mechanical faults. We call on mine operators, mine owners and managers to ensure that their equipment is constantly inspected and serviced to ensure that it’s working properly so that workers are not exposed to danger. Mine operators also have to ensure that their working environment is safe.
“Mineworkers also have to ensure that their safety is prioritised and they should also work in safe areas. It’s also important for mine workers to put on safety clothing when working,” she said.