An unidentified artisanal miner from Silobela in the Midlands Province spent three days and nights trapped underground after a mine he was working in collapsed last week.
The incident was confirmed by Kwekwe District Development Coordinator (DDC), Fortune Mupungu, who is also the local Civil Protection Unit chairperson. He said:
I can confirm receiving a report that a man from Silobela spent three days underground after he was entrapped at Velocity 9 Mine in Silobela.
Concerted efforts from various stakeholders stretched from Friday up to Monday. Villagers really assisted in rescue efforts, community leaders such as Councillor Deetleef, the government and Jena Mines all put in a sterling performance.
We were communicating with the trapped miner for three days, but we realised as the days were progressing that his strength was now ebbing as he didn’t have food or drink.
We managed to rescue him on Monday and he was immediately transferred to Silobela District Hospital, where he is receiving treatment.
Mupungu urged miners to be careful when conducting their activities as the ongoing rainfall activity has caused the ground to be unstable. | NewZimbabwe.com