SYDNEY MUBAIWA
MIDLANDS BUREAU

MBERENGWA – Two Mberengwa artisanal miners died inside a shaft after a burning log they had requested from their colleagues outside the shaft to light a cigarette fell on top of explosives killing them instantly.
Midlands Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident that happened on Saturday at Dohwe 118 Mine, Mberengwa to The Mirror.
He said James Ndebele (38) and Alfred Hove (19) died instantly whilst their three colleagues who were outside the shaft suffered varying injuries.
Mahoko added that Hove asked his colleagues for fire to light a cigarette and they threw a burning log into the shaft which fell on top of explosives that detonated instantly.
Mahoko urged miners to observe all safety precautions to avoid deaths and mining accidents.
“Police confirm the receipt of a mine accident where two men died on the spot while three others escaped with varying injuries after an explosion in a mine shaft. We urge miners to observe all safety precautions to avoid such incidents,” he said.