Mine shaft collapse kills two

KweKwe (New Ziana) – Two illegal gold panners died and another escaped with minor injuries when a mine shaft they were working in collapsed in KweKwe on Tuesday, police have said.

Midlands Province police spokesperson Inspector Joel Goko said the survivor was taken to KweKwe General Hospital, but escaped from the medical facility before completing treatment.

“We are not yet sure of the motive behind him running away, we will share more information as investigations unfold,” he said.

The mine shaft is located between Mbizo 15 and 8 high density suburbs, right in the middle of residential areas.

Goko said police were still investigating the accident.

But sources on the ground said they suspected a fourth miner might have also died in the accident, and was still buried underground.

“We know these guys from way back, they have always worked as a group of four. Only three have been accounted for. We strongly suspect there might be another body underground,” said a source.
New Ziana