News / National
Gold panner suffocates in collapsed tunnel
23 May 2013 at 00:32hrs | Views
A 35-YEAR-OLD illegal gold panner recently died due to suffocation after a tunnel he was mining in collapsed and trapped him in Chimanimani.
Police confirmed the death of Lovemore Nota of Rujeko, Chief Chikukwa's area of Chimanimani who died after being trapped in a 3m deep tunnel on May 6.
"Lovemore went to Glencore illegal gold panning site in Chimanimani with accomplices, Joseph Moyo (24) of Tamandayi and Aleck Museyama (28) of Tangwena in Honde Valley. The trio dug a 3m deep tunnel as they prospected for the precious mineral.
"The tunnel, however, collapsed on Lovemore and Joseph. A fellow illegal panner, Emmanuel Phineas rescued the two and rushed them to Rusitu Mission for medical attention," said acting Chipinge District police spokesperson, Sergeant Clothing Ncube.
However, Lovemore was pronounced dead upon arrival and a report was made at Glencore Police Base.
No foul play is suspected.
Sgt Ncube urged people not to risk their lives in search of riches.
"We urge members of the public especially those who are into illegal mining to value lives. They should desist from entering tunnels and other dangerous places which put their lives in great danger," said Sgt Ncube.
Police confirmed the death of Lovemore Nota of Rujeko, Chief Chikukwa's area of Chimanimani who died after being trapped in a 3m deep tunnel on May 6.
"Lovemore went to Glencore illegal gold panning site in Chimanimani with accomplices, Joseph Moyo (24) of Tamandayi and Aleck Museyama (28) of Tangwena in Honde Valley. The trio dug a 3m deep tunnel as they prospected for the precious mineral.
However, Lovemore was pronounced dead upon arrival and a report was made at Glencore Police Base.
No foul play is suspected.
Sgt Ncube urged people not to risk their lives in search of riches.
"We urge members of the public especially those who are into illegal mining to value lives. They should desist from entering tunnels and other dangerous places which put their lives in great danger," said Sgt Ncube.
Source - manicapost
