The Sunday News
Thobekile Khumalo, Sunday News Reporter
MORE than 20 miners are suspected to be trapped in a mining shaft at Nugget Mine in Matobo district which collapsed after a gold rush was reported resulting in an influx of artisanal miners from all over the country.
Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident on Tuesday saying four miners out of about 20 miners have so far been rescued at the mine.
“Four miners have been rescued so far. Out of the four three have sustained minor injuries while one has been seriously injured and is admitted at the United Bulawayo Hospital (UBH) where he was rushed for medical assistance,” said Assnt Comm Nyathi.
House of Assembly member for Matobo, Cde Edgar Moyo also weighed in saying the exact number of people trapped in the mine shaft had not been ascertained.
“The exact number of miners that are trapped is yet to be confirmed due to the influx of miners from other areas. Not only Matobo miners are trapped in that site but miners from as far as Shurugwi are also believed to have come and are suspected to be trapped underground,” he said.
A rescue operation team is still trying to recover the trapped miners.
“The number of the missing miners is not yet known, but we hope they are still all alive. We expect the full information about what is at hand at the mine before end of day Tuesday,” said Cde Moyo.
He said they would also carry out investigation to try and establish what really caused the collapse of the mine. @thobekilekae
