The plant is owned by the Kwekwe Consolidated Gold mines.
According to sources, Gift Ndebele plunged into the two-meter deep sump and sustained serious head injuries. He was then pronounced dead at the local general hospital.
It is understood that KCGM, whose majority shareholding is reportedly owned by Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa, did not comply with all mining regulations.
In correspondence addressed to the mine manager, Ignatius Shereni, and seen by The Zimbabwean, Regional Mines Engineer, Noel Pasikwavaviri, ordered:
“You are hereby instructed to suspend all mining, milling and allied operations with immediate effect until the completion of fatal accident investigations and all other provisions of the mining regulations compliance have been met with.”
It is the second time that authorities have shut down local mines on the basis of their failure to implement safety measures. Globe and Phoenix Mine was last month ordered to stop operations after it was discovered that their underground shafts were encroaching on a local primary school.
Investigations revealed that the management at Homestake Gold Mine flouted several mining requirements, which resulted in the tragedy of Ndebele. The company did not install handrails beside the ladder into the bottom of the water sump. They also failed to provide the installation of a screen around the sump.
These measures are basic requirements. A report put forward to police by management over the fatal incident, however, sought to cover up these irregularities.
Workers who spoke to The Zimbabwean said they believed that it was greed on the part of management for starting operations before basic security measures were put in place.
“We understand that the mine is very lucrative, however, it was incumbent upon management to ensure our safety,” said one mineworker.
Post published in: News