Mines and Mining Development Minister, Obert Mpofu, told Parliament that rescue teams from his ministry were working hard to look for the two.
The minister said this on Thursday last week while responding to a question from Insiza MP, Mr Siyabonga Ncube (MDC), who had asked what his
ministry was doing to help the situation.
“Yes we had an accident at Antonio Mine, which saw the carving in of soil. Four people were found alive, while two have not yet been found. The two were working in a shaft and the pillar supporting the wall fell and the one holding the pillar fell with it hitting his colleague,” he said.“We are still looking for the two. I want to assure the House that the police and my team are working flat our. The rescued four are recovering at Gwanda Hospital.
”Masvingo Urban Member of House of Assembly, Mr Tongai Matutu, asked the minister if he knew that workers from Shabani Mine have been going for months without getting their salaries.He asked if that was not prudent to return the mine to its former owners, Mr Mutumwa Mawere of Africa Resources Limited.
In response, Minister Mpofu said it was important to note that SMM was being run by a Government appointed administrator.“We have no direct control as a Ministry of the administrator as he reports to a different ministry. Precisely, that is what I am saying, we have no direct saying,” said Minister Mpofu.
