By Marsha Sengwe

AN artisanal miner at Rosa 10 Mine in Chiweshe died a painful death last Sunday after a safety rope that was tied around him when he was being pulled out of a disused shaft loosened halfway sending him back 50m down the pit.

As a result, he sustained severe head injuries, leading to excessive bleeding and his death. Police have called other artisanal miners to value their lives by desisting from their acts.

ZRP Mashonaland Central deputy spokesperson Assistant Inspector Tonny Nyandoro has also implored mine owners to fully secure and protect them from being accessed by illegal miners. He said on April 6, 2024 at around 4pm, Solomon Taundi, commenced his shift at Rosa 10 Mine in the company of three friends, Kudzai Ngoshi, Tinotenda Katsande and Robert Tembo.

Around 11pm, Taundi asked to be pulled out of the 50m deep shaft. He tied a rope around himself so that he could be hauled up. Unfortunately, the rope loosened along the way, sending him back to the bottom.

He sustained severe head injuries and died instantly.

His body was retrieved six hours later. Ass Insp Nyandoro said: “Mine owners should put in place strong safety mechanisms at their work stations to avoid danger to life. “They should use proper mining equipment, carry out regular safety trainings and always prioritise the safety of their workers.”