The Sunday News
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Gwanda Correspondent
A MINE worker in Collen Bawn in Matabeleland South stumbled upon human remains of an unidentified person while he was working in a shaft.
Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the incident which occurred on Monday at around 10 am at Etrick Mine in Collen Bawn. He said the mine worker (name not supplied) was working in a 30-metre-deep shaft when he unearthed human remains.
“I can confirm that we recorded an incident where human remains were found at Etrick Mine in Collen Bawn. A mine worker was digging in 30-metre-deep shaft when he came across human remains. He quickly informed his superiors and the matter was reported to the police who attended the scene.
“The remains were retrieved from the shaft and they were taken to the Gwanda Provincial Hospital Mortuary awaiting post mortem which will ascertain the identity of the person and how they died. We are also yet to establish how old these human remains are,” he said.
Meanwhile, police in Matabeleland South have appealed for assistance in locating the relatives of a man whose body has been lying at the United Bulawayo Hospitals Mortuary for the past four months.
The man only identified as Khumbulani Mhlanga suspected to be from Lupane area was stabbed to death on 21 March at Claremount Mine in Fort Rixon.
In a statement Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele appealed to relatives of the now deceased to contact the police.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is holding remains of a male adult body at United Bulawayo Hospitals mortuary. The victim is only known as Khumbulani Mhlanga and is suspected to be from Lupane area. The now deceased had stayed at Claremount Mine, Fort Rixon for close to 13 years.
On 21 March he was stabbed to death on the chest with a knife at Claremount Mine. He could be in his mid 30’s, is approximately 1,57 metres tall and is dark in complexion.
Relatives who have a family member that went missing during the corresponding period or who went away on gold panning activities are requested to contact Chief Inspector Ndebele on 08428-22810 or 0715 431 235/0773 594 899 or the investigating officer Sgt Chimbazaza on 0772 503 606.
They can also contact any nearest police station,” he said.
@DubeMatutu
