Girl (11) dies while panning for gold

An 11-year-old Guruve primary schoolgirl died on Sunday after being trapped in a disused mine shaft while looking for gold. Her colleague escaped with minor injuries, authorities said yesterday.

Violet Kumadiro of Kufandirori village, Kadzimwenje area in Guruve under Chief Chipuriro died on the spot when the shaft collapsed, while she was underground with her colleague Tryphine Tambudza (11).

Guruve district schools inspector Pinias Dambuza confirmed the incident.

"Yes, we lost a Grade 5 girl from Kadzimwenje Primary School over the weekend. The number of deaths of learners in Guruve is most disturbing to say the least," Dambuza said.

"More awareness campaigns need to be undertaken by stakeholders in the area on disaster risk management, child labour and child protection as well as guidance and counselling. These need to be undertaken at all possible fora, the death of one pupil is one too many."

When NewsDay arrived at the scene, the body of the deceased was being ferried to Guruve Hospital mortuary.

A witness, Muchaneta Mbida said the duo went down a shaft and suddenly a heap of sandy soil collapsed and trapped them.

"The girls entered a pit looking for gold and suddenly a heap of sand soil fell on them, Tambudza cried for help and was saved by Givemore Madiro (37) and she escaped with minor injuries while her colleague died on the spot."