ZCTU blames govt for deaths of 22 Zim illegal miners in SA

via ZCTU blames govt for deaths of 22 Zim illegal miners in SA – DailyNews Live by Godfrey Mtimba  12 MARCH 2014

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has blamed government for the death of 22 Zimbabwean illegal miners gassed to death in a South African disused mine.

ZCTU said it was the duty of the government to create employment for its people and the Zimbabwean government must shoulder the blame for these deaths.

“The deaths are a result of gaps in employment creation in Zimbabwe, forcing the young and energetic working group to end up risking their lives in dangerous working environments,” ZCTU secretary general Japhet Moyo said in a statement.

Thirteen of those killed, whose bodies returned home last Friday, were from Nkayi, five from Gokwe South, two from Tsholotsho, one from Kwekwe while one woman was from Kezi.

It is believed that at least 23 Zimbabweans died at the abandoned mine near Johannesburg alongside several other foreigners a fortnight ago.

Many more Zimbabweans are believed to be buried in the shafts of the disused mine as the operations to retrieve bodies was abandoned following unbearable temperatures of as much as 40 degrees Celsius in the shaft.

“We are calling upon authorities to put in place investor friendly policies that lure genuine investors who create decent employment in the country,” Moyo said.

“It is a disgrace for our skilled unemployed youths to go out scavenging for jobs in neighbouring countries when Zimbabwe has huge deposits of minerals mines lying dormant because the country is a high risk investment destination.”