Harare — Two illegal gold panners died on the spot early Tuesday morning after they were crushed by a rock while attempting to steal gold at Patchway Mine in Kadoma.

Prince Moyo and Nicholas Zengeya died after a rock crushed them while they were on the mine's level 12. The incident occurred at around 2:30 am and the mine is about 1 200 metres deep.

The other two accomplices  Anthony Mushanyi and David Ncube escaped with minor head injuries. It is alleged that the four went to the mine, which is fully operational, in a bid to search for gold. During the process, they got into the mine and at level 12, a big rock fell crushing the two. Mushanyi and Ncube managed to escape with minor injuries.

Police spokesperson, Superintendent Andrew Phiri yesterday said efforts were being made to retrieve the remains of Moyo and Zengeya. "The mine is operational and these were illegal gold miners. They were not employed at the mine and their intention was to steal gold," he said.

He warned people to desist from panning for gold and any other minerals that endangered their lives. "It is not only illegal, but also dangerous," said Supt Phiri. This follows an increase in panning countrywide, especially in Masvingo, Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland East provinces.

In May, two illegal gold miners were crushed to death after a disused mineshaft they working in collapsed in Mudzi with police expressing concern over a sudden increase in illegal gold panning countrywide.

The two Robson Saidi (51) and Tobias Chaveka (53) died after a mine shaft they were working in collapsed near Nyamuzizi River in Mudzi. Police warned people to desist from engaging in such illegal activities, saying they would not hesitate to arrest them.