Man trapped to death while panning

Shamva (Nehanda Guardian-New Ziana) -In a bid to make ends meet, a 46 year old Shamva man left his two minor kids fatherless after he was trapped to death in a mine shaft whilst panning for gold.

Police spokesman, Sergeant Tony Nyandoro urged members of the public not to engage in illegal gold panning as it was dangerous.

“Rather formalize or regularize your mining activities and do it above board considering all safety and health issues,” he said.

Circumstances surrounding the matter are that on October 25 this year, Richman Muchaka of Chidumbwe village 2 in Shamva left his two children, namely Learnmore Muchaka (9) and Nomatter Muchaka (6) and preceded to Munyunyu River for gold panning.

Whilst panning, a hip of soil fell and trapped him inside a pit.

Trymore Musiiwa, who was also panning nearby, said he heard an unusual sound and rushed to the scene to ascertain what had happened. Upon arrival he found Muchaka trapped inside a pit and managed to retrieve him.

Muchaka sustained internal injuries and was bleeding from the nose

Musiiwa sought assistance from Kudakwashe Marekera of Chitumbwe Village 1, who ferried the now deceased to Shamva district hospital where he died on admission.
Nehanda Guardian-New Ziana