’15 illegal Chiadzwa Diamond Panners Feared Dead, Early Hours Today In Mine Mishap’

15 illegal diamond panners in Chiadzwa are feared dead after a heap of ore fell on them as they were engaging in illegal mining activities in the early hours of today.

So far three have been confirmed dead, while another has suffered serious injuries.

The injured has been receiving treatment at the diamond base.

The incident occurred within the DMC mining concession.

It is feared that the number could rise to 15 and police have since widened their search through incorporating the Sub Aqua units to search for others suspected to have drowned.

Illegal diamond panners flocked to Chiadzwa immediately after the government banned all diamond mining operations.

A high powered ministerial delegation toured the diamond mining area and gave assurance the situation will be under control.

However, foreign diamond buyers have also descended on Chiadzwa.

Efforts to get a comment from ZRP Assistant Commissioner Tauya Mudede, who is in charge of the operation in Chiadzwa, were fruitless as his mobile phone kept on ringing unanswered.

Meanwhile, there was drama on Tuesday at Mbada Diamond mine when security personnel who had turned up for work were refused entry by police.

The workers had returned after the High Court ordered that they be allowed access to the mine to secure the assets.
– Source-ZBC