Kadoma (New Ziana) —Two illegal miners died at Tikes Mine in Kadoma, Mashonaland West province recently after about 2 tons of gold ore residue at a dump site collapsed and completely covered them.

Nico Musiiwa (48) and Spencer Mkonona (29) died at the scene while Aaron Mkonona (41) and Francis Musiiwa (30) escaped unhurt.

The four were prospecting at a gold ore residue dump site at Tikes mine.

They had dug a depth of about 7 metres when approximately 2 tonnes of gold ore residue collapsed and completely covered them.

Aaron and Francis retrieved the bodies of the two and went to report at Kadoma Rural Police Station.

Mashonaland West acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Ian Kohwera said such cases were increasing in the province.

He urged the public to desist from illegal mining activities and seek employment in licensed and standardized mines.

“So we just want to appeal to the public that it is illegal and an offence to be involved in illegal mining practices or prospecting for gold without a licence because there are some specifications that are needed for the safety of the people.

“It is very dangerous to mine without proper standards given that during the rainy season the ground gets wet and the chances of a shaft collapse are very high.”

New Ziana