By Staff Reporter
A SOMBRE atmosphere has engulfed a gold mine in Chinhoyi after an employee working about 100 metres underground was electrocuted while trying to connect a water pump.
The incident, which claimed the life of Blessed Kanongota aged 21, occurred at Rody Boys Mine just outside Chinhoyi.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) provincial spokesperson, Inspector Ian Kohwera confirmed the incident.
“I confirm a sudden death by electrocution of a 21-year-old man at Rody Boys 4 Mine, Chinhoyi on March 25, 2025, at around 1500 hours.
“Blessed Kanongota of Hunyani farm, Chinhoyi was working in a mine shaft approximately 100 meters deep extracting gold ore with other employees.
“At around 1440 hours, one of the employees outside the shaft wanted those in the shaft to drain water using a water pump. He dropped an electric cable and advised them to connect the water pump. Kanongota was electrocuted in the process and died,” said Kohwera.
Electricity was switched off, and Kanongota’s body was hoisted to the surface.
Mine manager Mostaf Sayemu was advised before a police report was made at ZRP Chinhoyi Rural. Police attended the scene and conveyed the body to Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital mortuary for postmortem.
Investigations are reportedly still underway to establish what transpired.
Kohwera urged miners to ensure safety measures are always in place to avoid loss of life through such avoidable incidents.