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3 die in Zimbabwe gold rush
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Three artisanal miners have reportedly died following a gold rush at Pondorosa Farm in Mhangura, Mashonaland West Province, on Friday, amid fears that the death toll could be higher.
Mashonaland West police spokesperson Inspector Ian Kohwera confirmed the incident, saying authorities were still gathering details surrounding the tragedy.
"Yes, we are receiving information that three people were killed following a gold rush at Pondorosa Farm in Mhangura," said Insp Kohwera.
However, local sources on the ground claimed the casualty figures may be higher, alleging that four people lost their lives while two others sustained serious injuries. The injured miners are reportedly receiving treatment at Mhangura Hospital.
According to the sources, the bodies of the deceased were transferred to Chinhoyi Hospital mortuary, as the mortuary at Mhangura Hospital has allegedly been non-functional for a long period.
"The four killed are from Mupata, Chimusanga, Muzhingiri and Chivhanga villages, while the two injured were taken to Mhangura Hospital," said a source familiar with the incident.
Mhangura Member of Parliament and Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, said he was aware of the incident but had not yet received a comprehensive briefing from the police.
"I have heard about the incident, but I am still waiting to be briefed by the Mhangura police. In fact, I am on my way to the constituency," said Dr Mombeshora.
The incident is believed to have occurred during a gold rush, a situation that often attracts large numbers of artisanal miners operating in unsafe and unregulated conditions. Such rushes are frequently marked by overcrowding, unstable ground and poorly secured pits.
The tragedy has once again brought into sharp focus the dangers associated with artisanal mining, particularly during the rainy season, when flooded shafts, collapsing tunnels and weakened soil structures significantly heighten the risk of fatal accidents. Authorities have repeatedly warned miners against illegal and unsafe operations, but incidents continue to claim lives across the country.
Mashonaland West police spokesperson Inspector Ian Kohwera confirmed the incident, saying authorities were still gathering details surrounding the tragedy.
"Yes, we are receiving information that three people were killed following a gold rush at Pondorosa Farm in Mhangura," said Insp Kohwera.
However, local sources on the ground claimed the casualty figures may be higher, alleging that four people lost their lives while two others sustained serious injuries. The injured miners are reportedly receiving treatment at Mhangura Hospital.
According to the sources, the bodies of the deceased were transferred to Chinhoyi Hospital mortuary, as the mortuary at Mhangura Hospital has allegedly been non-functional for a long period.
Mhangura Member of Parliament and Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, said he was aware of the incident but had not yet received a comprehensive briefing from the police.
"I have heard about the incident, but I am still waiting to be briefed by the Mhangura police. In fact, I am on my way to the constituency," said Dr Mombeshora.
The incident is believed to have occurred during a gold rush, a situation that often attracts large numbers of artisanal miners operating in unsafe and unregulated conditions. Such rushes are frequently marked by overcrowding, unstable ground and poorly secured pits.
The tragedy has once again brought into sharp focus the dangers associated with artisanal mining, particularly during the rainy season, when flooded shafts, collapsing tunnels and weakened soil structures significantly heighten the risk of fatal accidents. Authorities have repeatedly warned miners against illegal and unsafe operations, but incidents continue to claim lives across the country.
Source - The Standard
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