The ManicaPost
Nyasha Mapasa Post Correspondent
A TEENAGE illegal gold panner died after being trapped in a gold mine for two days in Penhalonga.
His body was retrieved and ferried to the mortuary yesterday.
Manicaland Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa, confirmed the death of 19-year-old James Siyeri of Mpudzi Village under Chief Zimunya.
Insp Kakohwa said Siyeri was trapped for two days in the gold mine and his body was only recovered at around 2am yesterday.
“On Tuesday at around 10 am, Siyeri left his home with his friend, Anesu Saunyama a 20-year-old female of the same village.
The pair went to Makahwi gold claim with the intention of seeking for employment but the gold claim’s owner, Iatt Makahwi was not around,” said Insp Kakohwa.
While waiting for the owner, Siyeri got into the mine which was 20 metres deep with the intention of removing a water pump, with the help of other employees.
However, on his way out he was affected by dangerous gasses and he fell back into the mine which was full of water.
Isaac Mangwidi (42), a worker at the mine claim tried to rescue him but he was also affected by the gasses.
Fortunately, Mangwindi shouted for help and was saved before he fell into the shaft.
Magwidi was referred to Mutare General Hospital and the matter was reported to the police.
Police and the Redwing mine rescue team attended the scene and tried to recover Siyeri’s body.
However, their attempts were to no avail for two days until yesterday morning at 2 am when they succeeded.
Meanwhile, Insp Kakohwa has urged people to desist from illegal gold panning as that puts their lives at risk.
