A tragic incident occurred at Malolotja Nature Reserve in Eswatini, where a 28-year-old man, Clement Mabuza, lost his life in a mine shaft collapse. Mabuza was among seven men who entered the reserve illegally in search of gold, following reports of riches hidden in the mountains. The group encountered a makeshift shaft, which gave way, trapping Mabuza beneath collapsed soil. His companions fled the scene, leaving him behind.
According to Melusi Methula, a friend of Mabuza, the group had been informed about the alleged gold deposits in the mountains and decided to embark on the expedition. Methula claimed that Mabuza had connections with people who had previously worked at similar sites and could guide them to places where gold was being mined. The group entered the reserve through the fence without permission, despite initial concerns about safety.
The group became lost while trying to locate the hill where the gold was reportedly found. They eventually met five men who claimed to have knowledge and experience about the job. The group decided to continue together, but Methula expressed concerns about the safety of the mining site. The five men assured them that the site was safe, and they entered the shaft, which later collapsed.
The soil suddenly collapsed, burying Mabuza while Methula was trapped from the waist down. The other five men managed to escape, but their efforts to rescue Mabuza failed. Methula eventually managed to get out of the shaft and began the long journey back to safety, struggling to find his way through the reserve in the darkness.
Methula reached the road and asked motorists for lifts to Pigg’s Peak, where he contacted the police. The police instructed him to wait for them along the road at Malolotja Nature Reserve. Officers inspected the site and determined that the fire and emergency team would be required to recover Mabuza’s body. The rescue operation involved the police, fire and emergency personnel, park officials, family members, and community members.
Mabuza's body was recovered on Tuesday afternoon after a painstaking operation. The incident has raised concerns about the dangers of illegal mining and the need for increased safety measures. The police are still investigating the incident, and Methula is cooperating with the authorities.
The nation has been reminded of the risks associated with such activities, and the importance of prioritizing safety. The incident at Malolotja Nature Reserve highlights the need for awareness and education on the dangers of illegal mining.
Key points
- A 28-year-old man died in a mine shaft collapse during an illegal gold mining expedition at Malolotja Nature Reserve.
- The group had been informed about alleged gold deposits in the mountains and decided to embark on the expedition despite initial concerns about safety.
- The incident has raised concerns about the dangers of illegal mining and the need for increased safety measures.
