Four miners at Esikhoveni Mine in Esigodini, Matabeleland South province are feared dead after a movable cabin they were working in collapsed inside a 62-meter-deep mine shaft.
The trapped are Andrea Malunga (79), Ashton Shiwilimba (86), Dumisani Sibanda (43) and Tapiwa Moyo (41).
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed and said they were working with other various stakeholders in an effort to rescue the four miners.
“They were in a movable shed which was on top of some rubbles, which gave in and submerged in a shaft that is 62-metre-deep. They were then trapped.
It is however believed that the mine does not have a geological map that can also assist,” he said.
The mine is owned by Mr Jan Blighnut and it is an old mine that was used by the Germans some years back. Asst Comm Nyathi said the relatives of the four were informed and they are also at the scene.
“Police are still conducting investigations to ascertain what transpired and we are working together with relevant stakeholders,” he said.
According to the Mine Manager, Mr Vessel Mpofu, the quartet was working inside a shade that was unknowingly established on a disused mine shaft when the structure suddenly collapsed around 7.30 am.
“We then informed the police and the Ministry of Mines officials. They came here and we began the search,” he said.
