By Delicious Mathuthu
Two brothers from the Zondo family in Mberengwa, Madumezwe Village under Chief Mapiravana, died in a 40 meter deep mine shaft after suffocating from suspected poisonous gas on Tuesday (05/09/2023) around midnight.
It is said the deceased, Thamsanqa Zondo (30) and Dumisani Zondo (23) were on duty at Peak Mine where the tragedy occured.
A police report states that the first brother, Thamsanqa, was lowered into the mine shaft, screamed for help before suffocating.
An attempt to rescue him by another miner, Cornelius Hove, failed after realizing that there was poison gas.
Another rescue attempt by Thamsanqa’s younger brother, Dumisani, later the same night, ended tragically as well.
Midlands Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident.
“Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms two sudden deaths of two brothers who suffocated in a mine shaft during a mining activity in Mberengwa.
“The incident occurred on the 05th of September 2023 at around 0001hours at Peak Mine, Mberengwa,” Inspector Mahoko said.
He said miners should seek assistance from the relevant Ministry on mine safety to prevent such tragedies.
“Members of the public with interests in mining should approach Ministry of Mines on guidance on safety equipment and legal requirements necessary for human safety,” Inspector Mahoko.
He also shared more details on how the deaths occured.
“It is alleged that Thamsanqa Zondo was
lowered into a 40 metre mine shaft and upon reaching under ground he shouted for help.
“Cornelius Hove was lowered into the mine shaft to investigate what had happened, but before he reached underground he experienced difficulties in breathing and he signalled to be uplifted back to the surface.
“Later in the night Dumisani Zondo decided to enter into the mine shaft to rescue his brother but he failed to return back to the mine surface.
“Cornelius Hove alerted other miners who formed a rescue team and retrieved the two bodies from the shaft,” Inspector Mahoko said
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