RESIDENTS in Rockview Park in Zimre are up in arms with a Chinese mining company after a 12-year-old boy drowned in a disused three-metre pit dug by the company.
According to residents, the pit was left open after the Chinese company dug it to improve drainage system in 2022.
There are also various similar pits dug on both sides of the road posing a threat to residents in Adelaide and Rockview.
It was established during investigations by NewsDay that the Chinese miner had paid the boy’s family and residents who voiced concern over their activities.
The residents told NewsDay that Tanaka Makosa drowned while playing with his friend and his body was retrieved by an unidentified man before the matter was reported to the police.
Tanaka’s mother was devastated after being told by the doctor that her child had passed away.
“I was surprised by the doctor. I thought he was going to tell me that my son was alive and well, but instead, he told me that my child was no more,” she said.
The boy was buried in Goromonzi. The Chinese company reportedly paid US$900 to cover funeral expenses.
- 12-year-old boy drowns in disused pit
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The incident has sparked widespread concern among residents, who claim that their lives, particularly those of their children, are at risk because of the open pits.
Residents allege that the quarry miners failed to adequately secure the site, leaving the pits accessible to children.
Sarudzai Sibanda told NewsDay that residents were not amused by the conduct of the miners.
“We are worried about our children’s safety. These pits are death traps and it’s only a matter of time before another tragedy occurs,” she said.
Another resident, Khayelihle Sibanda said the miners should close the pits.
“As residents, all we are asking for is for these pits to be closed. There are more than 15 pits. It is not safe to leave these pits open like this. We fear that this incident might happen again and again,” he said.
The residents also demanded that authorities take immediate action to address the situation and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
They said the Harare City Council should close the pits, which have become death traps for their children.
