By Sharon Chimenya
MASHAVA – In a tragic incident, two mine workers from Mashava lost their lives after being electrocuted while attempting to pump water from a slime dam using an electric water pump.
Masvingo police spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa, confirmed the incident, which took place at Golden Horn Mine in Mashava last Thursday.
He said the victims, Samuel Ratiwana (32) and Surprise Nguruwe (32), had taken the electric pump to the slime dam, where they both suffered fatal electrocution.
Both men were pronounced dead upon arrival at Masvingo Provincial Hospital.
“On April 2, at around 11 am, Ratiwana and Nguruwe took the electric water pump to the slime dam, intending to pump water. Upon submerging the pump in the water, they were both electrocuted.
“Elias Mukwesha (28), who was passing by, discovered the two men lying on the ground and quickly alerted the mine manager. The victims were then transported to Masvingo Provincial Hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival.”
Inspector Dhewa added that the bodies of the deceased were taken to Masvingo Provincial Hospital Mortuary.
Inspector Dhewa urged the public to regularly inspect electrical equipment for faults before use or after each shift to prevent electrical hazards. He also advised seeking assistance from qualified professionals before operating electrical equipment.
